Gretzky wouldn't have as many points!?

Question

I don't think with the caliber of players in the NHL that being they are bigger, faster now than they were, that the Great One would finish with his career #s as high as they are. I know hes the best and i'm not taking away from his accomplishments but i think it is harder now than it was.

Example--- Guy Lafleur 5 straight seasons with 50 goals 2 of them with 60 some. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

The game has changed. Gretzky is the greatest player to ever play the game. He saved hockey and established it in the south region. Even Gretzky himself noted that the game has changed. That doesnt take away from what he did for hockey. Think of the equiptment Gretzky played with compared to the high-tech light equpitment we play with now. He used a wooden stick most of his career, then switched to aluminum, b/c it was the new deal. His skates were at least 3 times heavier than the skates we wear today. Pads all heavy. What i am saying is that, the game has changed and it will again. Gretzky is the best by far and i get alittle upset when people quesion that and when people spell his name wrong. Not naming names.

Answer 2

Gretzky had above average skills in so many areas that he was able to adapt and overcome everything they threw at him. Under todays rules he may not score as many points as he once did but I don't think any other great player of the past would either. Not only are the players bigger, teams do a better job of working inside their defensive systems. And then there are the goalies. Look at the videos of the goalies then and now. The equipment today gives goalies a huge edge in keeping the puck out of the net. Let's not single Gretz out on this because even the Rocket would find things harder today.

Answer 3

Evolution is in the nature of any sport. Players are bigger today. They are also stronger, their gear is far more technologically advanced and their methods of sport-specific training is exponentially more sophisticated.

Similarly, Bobby Orr would have had difficulty in Gretzky's era as well, but that is not the point. What you need to acknowledge is that given the same resources, equipment, nutrition and training methods, Gretzky was leaps and bounds ahead of his peers.

He held a spot on the mantle from the time he started in the open, offensive style of the 80's into the 'legion of doom', supersized, clutch and grab era, ending in the midst of the infamous trap era. All the while he contributed and was relevant.

You could argue that Gretzky's point dropoff in the last 2 years of his career had as much to do with a lack of a 2nd line center on his Ranger team as it did with his age or a changing game.

Regardless, the fact that Gretzky would still be the all time point leader if you took away ALL of his goals speaks volumes to the impact he had on the game. These are the standards by which Crosby and all other pretenders to the throne will be judged.

Answer 4

OMG! Gretzky and the oilers of the 80's would desimate ANY team playing in the NHL right now! Has anyone ever watched cbc when they show games from the past? Last summer they were playing the 88 final against boston you would not believe how fast these 2 teams move the puck! So Gretzky would no doubt finish with as many points if not more!

Answer 5

This is a totally different game now. Obviously, guys are bigger, stronger, more mobile, better skaters now then they were, in general, back when Gretzky played. But back then, nobody played the trap, the left wing lock wasn't "all the rage", it was a more offensive game. Not only have the players evolved, but the style of play has changed as well. Goalies are better than they were back then. Things are just so different. I think gretzky would be equally dominant now, the numbers just might not be so ridiculously high.

Answer 6

No argument his numbers wouldnt be as high. He played in the peak of an offensive happy league where its defense now. Players today are bigger, stronger, and faster. With less teams the overall skill levels were much higher then. You had guys on the bench then that would be best players on some of todays teams. I dont think its fair to compare between different generations.

Answer 7

Scoring was up all over in the 1980s, and defense was next to nil. Compare that to the late 1990s and the beginning of this century, and yes, I think you are right. Had his career started in 1995 instead of the late 1970s, he'd be lucky to score 115 points in a season, let alone 215. That said, with skill being relative, I still think he would have been the best scorer in the league in his prime, regardless of when he played.

Answer 8

Gretzky still had really good numbers toward the tail end of his career and he was a much better player than most of the stars in the league @ his older age. (minus his last year when everyone on his team just about stunk and he was hurt)

Considering that, if he were just now entering the league, he would still kick everyone's butt in points.

Answer 9

Well Babe Ruth wouldn't have as many Home Runs if he hit at Candlestick Park and had played for San Fransico. Now see how silly that sounds. If Wayne entered the league today he would likely be built for the league today. It's not like he wasn't playing from the time he was a kid. I think he would be just as good in today's league because I think certain players are designed to be stars in the league in their era. In his position I don't think the era would be as big as a different. Now in a case like Orr it would be different because his era was when he HAD to be. Now a scoring defenseman who can play defense as well has been done. He wouldn't stand out as much. Wayne isn't standing out as much for doing something that was totally innovative.

Answer 10

Well, thats a tricky one.

By himself, he would be prolific for sure. If he were surrounded by his former Oiler teammates he would probably score more because the talent is diluted by expansion.

The Oilers of the mid 1980's would dominate today's NHL.