If Mario Lemieux hadn't had so many injury problems, would he not have clearly been the greatest of all time?

Question

66>99

Answer 1

yes, Lemieux's lower back problems took away from his wonderfull potential... even Wayne Gretzky said if they were to go one on one, both in their primes, Mario would win. He was an amazing player... he would have been better if he was healthy. tourdes the middle of his corer it got to be so bad that people on the bench had to lift Mario lemieux's legs over the bench so he could get onto the ice...

Answer 2

66 + 99 does not = 9

Gordie Howe was the best to ever play. Period. If Mario had stayed healthy, it would have made for a more interesting debate. But Mario and Wayne weren't as good as Gordie. They may have had similar or better stats, but Howe had to play against one of the five best goalies in the game every game. If he played in this era, there is no doubt in my mind that he would have had 2000 points.

Answer 3

No, I don't think so. Gretzky had about 1,000 more points than Mario. Even without his injuries and the missing years in his career, he would not reach the Great One. Mario wasn't part of a dynastic team, although a crazy good one. Wayne Gretzky is the best because along with his uncomparable stats, he led one of the best teams ever to Stanley Cup championships. I give credit to Mario for his Super-Duper Hall-of-Fame career, but he would never have been greater than Wayne Gretzky.

Answer 4

I think the points and championships and awards (back to back conn smythe trophies) amidst those injuries make a very compelling testament to his greatness. But I don't kow if hed have gone over Gretzkys numbers. Gretz was fortunate - lets not forget the cast of hall of famers/rich in talent players he was fortunate enough to call teammates in Kurri, Coffey, Messier, Fuhr, Graves, esa T, mctavish, etc..(while mario was playing with guys like wilf paiment, robbie brown, and an aging ron dugay). Do you think Wayne would have the totals he has today if he were to have been drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins and played for them from 80 to 90? would he even have half the points?

Mario got 199 points in one year playing with absolute bums for linemates. He made careers for guys like robbie brown and kevin stevens who just had to go to the front of the net and wait to p/u the garbage. and after they left him, they never did crap.

Both were great passers, but as for picking the more talented goal scorer, that's easy - lemeiux hands down.

Answer 5

Yes Super Mario is the greatest player to ever play hockey, he didn't have the supporting cast that Wayne had or the goons.

Answer 6

Yes, I agree. Mario was more skilled than Wayne. And keep in mind, Mario never had the protection Wayne had. Wayne had McSorley to protect him. Players knew if they messed with Wayne Marty would come after them. Mario had to take care of himself, he didn't have a bodyguard.

Answer 7

I think Mario retired (the last time) with 1.88 pts/game, while Gretzky retired with 1.92 pts/game. Keep in mind how often Mario played hurt/hurting, you could easily see how Mario could have overtaken Gretzky

Answer 8

If Abraham Lincoln was not assinated would Mario Lemieux be alive ?

It is silly to play the "what if" game.

What is is and what isn't isn't.

Answer 9

I think he's the greatest anyway,much better rounded player he didnt his pittsburgh didnt need to waste a first line position on a goon to protect him either.

Answer 10

no... I think wayne gretsky was a little better than lemieux, wayne could pretty much see in the back of his head and, to my point of view, he was a better playmaker