Who was the better Sabre player- Lafontaine or Perreault?

Question

I was pretty young when Perreault was in his prime, but was older when Lafontaine played and have a lot of great memories watching him. I can't begin to imagine what he would have been like in the new NHL. Perreault is a Buffalo legend, was great, and played many incredible years for the Sabres. Lafontaine had a few awesome years, but was sidelined with injuries. Both were loved by the fans, but I sometimes wonder if Lafontaine was underrated when compared with the Sabres legends. I know Perreault deserves to be a hall of famer, but I honestly believe Lafontaine was right up at his level. Does Lafontaine not get the credit he deserves because he didn't begin and end his career with buffalo? Is it the number of injuries he had making his career short, or was he simply not as good a player as others in the organization. The same holds true when comparing him with other US born players.

Answer 1

Well nobody can fault Lafontaines talent, only a small handful of players have ever had over 140 points in a single season bet when you look at his career stats it's one of only 2 seasons that he had over 100 points in a season as well. Similarly Perreault had two 100 point seasons but not anywhere near pat's 148 point performance. But still in the end both players had some similar statistics throughout their careers.

Lafontaine spent 6 years with the sabres and played barely half the games the Sabres had in that span while Gilbert played darn near every game during his long career with the Sabres.

Both players were gifted, but the injuries, the fact that Lafontaine only spent 6 seasons with the Sabres and that Perreault spent his whole career in Baffalo and was the teams captain will always keep him ahead in this race.

Answer 2

I was like 4 when Perreault retired, so I don't have a clear answer, obviously. What I've seen in hindsight is obviously impressive and his stats look good. Maybe I could be biased if I were ten years older and had seen him in action.

17 seasons with the sabres versus 6 is sure to sway a lot fo buffalo fans, but there's no denying Falalalalalalafontaine was great. Had he had a career in buffalo for as long as perreault, minus the injuries, it would have been a good match up.

Answer 3

Perreault was a better player for the Sabres. He spent his whole career in Buffalo and put up great nubmers. LaFontaine was a great player in his short run in Buffalo but injuries took their toll on Patty LaLa. Plus Pat played for 2 other teams. This pains me to say because Pat LaFontaine is my all time favorite hockey player. I will say that you will not find a better person than Pat.

Answer 4

Hmm...A Sabres question that I'm not sure how to answer. According to Wikipedia, Perreault retired a few months before my first birthday so I obviously don't have any memories of seeing him play. I know he was a member of The French Connection and was known for being an amazing player, but that's about where my knowledge of him ends.

LaFontaine was playing for the Sabres right about the time I became interested in hockey and the team. I remember getting to see him play and he certainly was a great player that braught a lot to Buffalo during his years there. I also remember a series of concussions cutting his career a bit short.

Looks like I'm going to have to leave this one for the older generations of Sabres fans.

Answer 5

Gilbert Perreault was head and shoulders above Pat Lafontaine. Lafontaine was great, but Perreault was better.

Answer 6

Gilbert Perreault of the french connection was the better player.

Answer 7

Gilbert- by a mile. Way better all around