1979 Gretzky's PSA 10

[Kevin]

For what it's worth,Lemieux could do everything Gretzky could. An added bonus was he was bigger. Also extra points for playing in the more physical Patrick Division vs the Smythe Division.

Who's ready to discuss 80s hockey? Let's go, boys...

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by Kevin

For what it's worth,Lemieux could do everything Gretzky could. An added bonus was he was bigger. Also extra points for playing in the more physical Patrick Division vs the Smythe Division.

Who's ready to discuss 80s hockey? Let's go, boys...

i keep seeing these GOAT arguments around competition for Gretzky. To me it's not even a discussion. Gretzky shattered the points and assists records by such a long-shot that his goal breaking records are an afterthought, and often overlooked. He has more career assists than any other player has total points! Think about that. On top of this, he is also the greatest goal scorer. What more are you looking for, lol.

I think the Hull/Lemieux arguments are crazy, but I always like to listen to what other people have to say.
Gretzky is the most dominant athlete in any sport.. Ever. I don't want to hear about golf, i am talking sports.

[Tomi]

[QUOTE=Wid_Conroy;2030711]i keep seeing these GOAT arguments around competition for Gretzky. To me it's not even a discussion. Gretzky shattered the points and assists records by such a long-shot that his goal breaking records are an afterthought, and often overlooked. He has more career assists than any other player has total points! Think about that. On top of this, he is also the greatest goal scorer. What more are you looking for, lol.



I guess we see a GOAT in different ways. You see the GOAT as someone who scored the most points. I see a GOAT as someone who does EVERYTHING. Orr is the only player in the history of the sport who was the best defenseman and offensive player of the year. What are you going to say if Ovechkin breaks his goal record? He has a legit shot.

[irv]

Don knows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8lNMMLZn-E

[Oscar_Stanage]

[QUOTE=Tomi;2030811]

Originally Posted by Wid_Conroy

i keep seeing these GOAT arguments around competition for Gretzky. To me it's not even a discussion. Gretzky shattered the points and assists records by such a long-shot that his goal breaking records are an afterthought, and often overlooked. He has more career assists than any other player has total points! Think about that. On top of this, he is also the greatest goal scorer. What more are you looking for, lol.



I guess we see a GOAT in different ways. You see the GOAT as someone who scored the most points. I see a GOAT as someone who does EVERYTHING. Orr is the only player in the history of the sport who was the best defenseman and offensive player of the year. What are you going to say if Ovechkin breaks his goal record? He has a legit shot.

Not at all. it's not that Gretzky was the best scorer, it is that he completely shattered what was normal in the game, completely dominated. When you get 2.5 points a game, which was freakish, frankly you don't really need elite defense. creating that many goals puts your team in a position to win 99% of the time. Please don't get it twisted, this is very different than a James Harden type in the current NBA. Harden might score the most, but he is no where near an outlier in what he does.

wrt to Ovechkin, back to my original point.... Gretzky produced so many total points, that his goal-scoring is actually overlooked. it was an afterthought. It's almost if he effortlessly became the greatest goal scorer this game as ever seen. If he ends up 2nd all time in goals, It won't make a difference.

[Throttlesteer]

The GOAT designation is overused and pretty ridiculous when considering changes to professional sports over the decades. Orr was a monster and the very best of his generation. But how would you honestly compare him to an Erik Karlsson or Nicklas Lidstrom? What about Gretzky or Crosby? Richard or Jagr? Its nonsensical. Way too many variables. These decisions come down to emotion, bias, and our own experience with the game. GOTT makes a lot more sense to me. Records are records, but they don't tell the whole story.

Back on topic, both of those 10s are well off-center. The OPC especially has me scratching my head.

[Peter_Spaeth]

It's only one opinion, but I heard an interview with Gordie Howe who was asked the inevitable question, if you could pick one player to start a team, would it be Orr or Gretzky? He said Orr.

[Throttlesteer]

I wonder what Gordie would say today? Orr or McDavid? Its a very different game now. Orr was a generational talent that transformed the position.

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's only one opinion, but I heard an interview with Gordie Howe who was asked the inevitable question, if you could pick one player to start a team, would it be Orr or Gretzky? He said Orr.

old timers are typically bitter, and biased against newer players. Just like in basketball, when Jordan arrived there were those types who would claim they would build a team around Wilt or Russell.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's only one opinion, but I heard an interview with Gordie Howe who was asked the inevitable question, if you could pick one player to start a team, would it be Orr or Gretzky? He said Orr.

And some players, like Phil Esposito, say Gordie Howe was the best ever.

Valid point and a true contender for GOAT as well, imo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu3tvR30n1g

[shagrotn77]

Originally Posted by Wid_Conroy

i keep seeing these GOAT arguments around competition for Gretzky. To me it's not even a discussion. Gretzky shattered the points and assists records by such a long-shot that his goal breaking records are an afterthought, and often overlooked. He has more career assists than any other player has total points! Think about that. On top of this, he is also the greatest goal scorer. What more are you looking for, lol.

I think the Hull/Lemieux arguments are crazy, but I always like to listen to what other people have to say.
Gretzky is the most dominant athlete in any sport.. Ever. I don't want to hear about golf, i am talking sports.

Yes!!!