Is Sydney Crosby 'All-Round' a better talent than the great one, Wayne Gretzky?

Question

Sydney is tough and can stand up for himself.
Gretzky had bodyguards always.
Was it just a different day?
Am I not giving the Great One Enough credit?
Will only time tell? And if so, how will we ever be able to judge with all the rule changes and game strategy trends? (ie neutral zones, roughness, better equipment,.....etc...)

Answer 1

Most would concede that Crosby's physical attributes are superior to Gretzky's. That does not say much however, since Gretzky was hardly the best skater or shooter in his own era, much less compared to this one.

He had moderate NHL level physical skills, but what differentiated him from others in the league was a superior cerebral capacity to anticipate plays and an ability to visualize the game on a different plane. The blueline curl, the play behind the net? These were not part of the sport before Gretzky showed up. Now, they have become commonplace.

He invented a new approach to the sport and that is not uncommon or rare, it is unique. It maybe happens once every few generations. The last player to have such an impact before Gretzky was Bobby Orr.

In today's game, Crosby does what everyone else does, but better than the rest. Even if he breaks Gretzky's records, he'll be doing it within the paradigm Gretzky created, not one of his own making.

As of today, Crosby is to Gretzky as Paul Coffey was to Bobby Orr. Whether or not Crosby will leave his own unique mark on the sport remains to be seen.

Answer 2

I asked a very similar question yesterday, concerning the comparisons that are being made between Crosby and Gretzky, and I have to say that I agree whole heartedly with "Zapcity" on this. Gretzky played in the NHL after spending 2 years in the WHA, where he had some time to mature a little, and develop his skills further. That maturity level that Gretzky attained is the whole difference between his effect on the game back in the 80's, and what Crosby is doing now in 2007. Noone in NHL history probably understand the mechanics of hockey as well as Wayne did. And if you compare them physically, it handicaps Wayne a lot more, since the league then was more about hitting, checking, and rough housing. And yet, Gretzky still was about to put up the numbers that he did then. Now in today's NHL, people get put in the box for so much as even "thinking" about hooking or tripping someone. Not to mention that's there no more "red line" in the game.

There's no question about it. Crosby may be the best player in the game today, but to say that he's better than Gretzky was back in the 80's is very ignorant, and unfair to Wayne since people don't remember what he's done for the sport already.

Answer 3

First of all, you can't really compare the two because of the way the game has changed from when Gretzky was at his best, and now. Mostly for the reasons you have stated above (equipment, rules, the players are now better).

When Gretzky played the goalies were terrible (for the most part), so I'll give Crosby the benefit of that fact.

Second of all, Crosby can not stand up for himself. He's a cheap shot artist who will stick up for himself by giving someone a stick in the stomach after the play is over, and his linemates all converge on the opposing player. I want to see him drop the mittens and actually stand up for himself.

The Great One is obviously one of the best to have ever played, and Crosby has yet to prove that. It is only his second year though, he has to prove it over his next 15 NHL season or so to be considered, "the Next One." And all the hype surrounding the term, "the next one," is just a gimmick to get fans back into the game. I blame ESPN for the lack of coverage. The supposed, exclusive sports channel devotes zero attention to the game of hockey because they don't get enough sponsor money to make it worth their while, but NASCAR gets top priority. A bunch of hillbilly, rednecks driving around in a circle that requires zero athletic ability is a shame to be called a sport.

Don't get me wrong, Crosby is a phenomenal talent. But, I'd hold off on the Gretzky comparisons for a few years. Crosby needs to prove he's a little more mature, and then maybe he'll get more respect.

Answer 4

Sidney Crosby really doesn't stand up for himself. Why do you think that they tried to trade for a fighter at the trade deadline? Gretzky is obviously a better player in every aspect of the game. Sidney Crosby will be the best player very likely after Wayne Gretzky because he's so young, and so good. When he retires, he'll go into the Hall Of Fame very likely. Gretzky is good, but gets too much credit in the first place. He scores a lot, but who couldn't score with goalies who sometimes stood still, barely moved, or just slip and fell? Nobody looks at them kind of things. Gretzky will always be the best player of all-time, but it's mostly due to how bad the goalies were, and he didn't have to score on anyone good, and even if it was a good goalie, they'd still barely move, or slip and fall. Sidney Crosby has to deal with goalies that are A LOT better now a days, and people will never understand that.

Answer 5

Gretzky was the best player ever to put on skates. Crosby is good but I dont see him revolutionizing the game the way 99 did. His stats are off the charts and he was even more dominant in the playoffs. No one will ever even come close even with all this BS penalty calling.

Dont forget, you had an average of 3 pp's per team in gretzky's era

Answer 6

only time will tell,he has only played in the league for 2 years.right now he is no where near breaking gretzky's records.there are many others out there that could shine just as easy but don't get the press coverage crosby does,look at his team mate jordan staal,and as far as ovechkin goes he is a great player he just doesn't have the same support as crosby and it takes a whole team not just one!!!!i went to a minor league game last night and they were playing with just about a whole new team(due to call ups and injuries)they looked like the keystone cops the first period but after that they looked pretty good playing together,they lost but it showed the whole team has to play

Answer 7

Sidney Crosby isnt even the best talent to play for the Penguins yet (Mario Lemieux). Dont get me wrong, he is a great young talent, but lets wait until he's played more than a couple of seasons before we start comparing him to the greatest player in the history of the NHL (which Gretzky is).

Answer 8

It is too early in his career to state he is/is not greater that Gretzky. Gretzky had longevity and conintually broke record after record. Gretzky continually "raised the bar"...Crosby's only been playing for almost 2 years. I disagree with your assessment though...Crosby can't stand up for himself...players continually take a run at him. Ovechkin he stands up for himself and he is now being left alone, same as Malkin. Crosby will be/is a great player...lets see how long this lasts....

Answer 9

Sid is very tough. If you've noticed, he's backed offa little bit for a while. But then the Pens got Laraque and he's getting tougher b/c I feel he knows that Laraque will kill anybody who comes near him.
I think that right now it is safe to say Crosby is on his way. I think that he will be the next Gretzky, maybe better, maybe the same. Only time will tell with Sid the Kid but I say yes...bc im a huge pens fan.


GO PENS.
ps. for alll of you who think crosbys a baby or a diver, well...lets not go there.

Answer 10

If you don't think Crosby don't have his share of body guards you're wrong.Just look at their recent aquision.To say he is better than Wayne , well only time will tell.But I don't think the rule changes hurt Crosby's chances they can only help him get good numbers.I really don't consider Gretzky "THE GREAT ONE " any way.Yeah he WAS good but look at the way he handles himself behind the bench NOW. GREAT? I THINK NOT!