who is better?

Question

who is better
Joe Sakic
or Joe Thornton

Answer 1

If you go statistically you cant go wrong with Sakic. He is one of the most unselfish players and has one hell of a wrist shot. Thorton is more of a fast paced dangler who can pass like no other. I would have to go with Sakic though as an all round better player.

Answer 2

Joe Thornton

Joe Thornton for pure skill. Joe Sakic might have something over Thornton in the leadership department... and that's a big MIGHT. Thornton is still a capable leader.... If they both came into the league at the same age I would still take Thornton. No offense to Sakic.

Answer 3

Good question, that is a tough comparison. If I was building a team right now I would take Thornton because he is younger.

Joe Thornton has been the number one point producer over the last five years (averaged). That shows great consistancy and skill.

Joe Sakic has been an all star since 1988 and has a better point per game average over the course of his career than Joe T.

Both are clutch guys and leaders. I think if I had to choose I would take Joe Sakic in his prime. Barely.

Answer 4

I'm from Denver and i used to ask a similar question of who is better, Joe Sakic or Peter Forsberg. so let's take both in their primes. Thornton is a physical presence on the ice where Sakic is not. Thornton will get you that big hit that does inspire his teammates. Cooler head? Sakic. Better shot? Sakic. Better passer? Thornton. but people forget about Sakic's defensive abilities. he was nominated a few times for the Selke as best defensive forward. you don't think defense when you think of Joe Sakic. For my money, and this is no knock on Thornton, i'll take Sakic over him or Peter Forsberg any day. you never have to worry about those stupid retaliation penalties like you do with the other two. he's a great leader and simply leads by example. and he has arguably the best wrist shot in the history of hockey.

Answer 5

Is there really a fair answer to this? Joe Sakic is a future Hall of Famer. Joe Thornton has a lot of years in the league to go. I'll go with Sakic for now based on experience and his history but I think Thornton can match his numbers down the line if he stays consistent.

Answer 6

Joe Thornton.

Sakic's good, but he's on the downside of his career. Overall he has been a better goal-scorer, and has shown tremendous leadership over the years. Championships. Olympics. All-Star Games. BUT...

You are asking who IS better. Thornton's younger, tougher, and a better passer. He also has a better +/-, but he plays for a better team, so I guess that does not necessarily mean much. That said, he's coming off a Hart Trophy year, and is leading his team into the playoffs. That DOES mean something. Currently Thornton leads Sakic in points by 7, which is not a LOT, but it's a lead nonetheless. You got to give the nod to Thornton.

Careerwise, however, Thornton's got a long way to go to catch up to Sakic. We'll see how he holds up over the long term.

Answer 7

Joe Thornton.

This is a tough comparison because each player has their own awesome traits and qualities. Sakic has one of the best wristers in the league and has awesome skating abilities. Thornton on the other hand has an eagle eye and makes passes that are crisp and on the tape. But the reason I chose JT is because he's bigger, isn't afraid to drop the gloves if need be, and when he does decide to shoot, he has one of the best slapshots in the league. As big as he is, he is also able to glide on the ice and skate with speed due to his long stride. JT is more all around but Sakic is no slouch either.

Answer 8

All the previous answers are quite good so I don't want to diminish from them - but here is my two cents.

I would choose Sakic over Thornton, even though he is older for one reason - patience. Don't get me wrong - I like guys who stand up for themselves and are willing to put up a fight, but I have seen Joe Thornton take dumb penalties and get into scraps when his team would have best benefited from him staying on the ice. Joe Sakic is a perennial Lady Byng contender who seldom takes penalties let alone dumb ones.

That, and that alone, I feel puts Sakic over Thornton in terms of skill. They are both talented, hard-working, gifted players - but Sakic knows how to control his temper better than Thornton so he "wins" by a hair.

Sometimes, the best hockey skill one can possess is smarts and the ability to draw penalties rather than take them.

Answer 9

As far as RIGHT Now, probably Joe Thornton. Sakic is getting up their in years and is past his prime... Thornton is a young player who is just peaking.

They're different players, Sakic is a scoring center, while JT is a playmaker... Both important to a team, but it's hard to compare.

As far as in their prime, Sakic would probably be my pick then. He was quite a monster a few years back.

Answer 10

Overall, Joe Sakic is better overall. He can shoot and play the puck really well. Joe Thornton is probably better at passing the puck but not at scoring goals

Answer 11

Joe Thornton is better,,that is my choice