Maybe a homer comment, but if you drop Lindros into any other era he is a man among boys...he stood out in the clutch and grab era..imagine him playing in the 70s or even today. Like every sport, things have advanced so much it is almost impossible to do an apples to apples comparison (although fun none the less)...heck the goalie equipment is so much larger, today that could affect point totals for some of these guys.

I think MJL's comment about hockey smarts is what made 99 standout. I remember watching a video years ago where he would talk about tracing on a board where the puck would go and studying that. He was a great hockey mind, before those existed at the player level. I think you also have to remember, sports "fitness" didn't exist back them...just read Kieth Jones honest assessment of the level of fitness it took to reach the NHL, and that is not in the too distant past. 99 was in shape and smarter then most of the guys on the ice...his advanced skill level was the kicker.
- JW98FlyerFan

Yeah, think Wayne would still be Wayne in today's game. Hockey sense is paramount in any era, and that's what made him great. He'd still be 2-3 steps ahead. I do think that his competitiveness would have led him to spend a lot of time at the gym -- he'd probably be built like Crosby, lol.

88 wouldn't have as much of a physical advantage today and the defensive coverage is more stifling. He'd have to play with much more finesse and patience (and keep his damned head up). He'd still be really really good, but I'm not sure he'd be as effective as he used to be.

So basically the only season they were both young and healthy at the same time, Mario beat him by 31 pts.

Wayne's on record saying that Mario could think the game as well as he could, pass as well as he could, but his shot was better than his. Up there w/ Bossy and Hull.

Imagine Mario starting his career in the early-80s with all those great Oilers teammates and a modicum of health... he'd be the one owning the record books I think.
- Tomahawk

You were off base in so many ways. First in the 87-88 season, you failed to account for games played. Since were speculating based on production, if Gretzky had played a full season, Lemiuex wouldn't have won the scoring title. You also know that Gretzky prime scoring years were in the early Edmonton years. Lemieux would've had a tough time matching those totals.

Like I said, if you want to call Lemieux the best ever, not unreasonable. Stating that it's not close, that's just stupid.

Maybe a homer comment, but if you drop Lindros into any other era he is a man among boys...he stood out in the clutch and grab era..imagine him playing in the 70s or even today. Like every sport, things have advanced so much it is almost impossible to do an apples to apples comparison (although fun none the less)...heck the goalie equipment is so much larger, today that could affect point totals for some of these guys.

I think MJL's comment about hockey smarts is what made 99 standout. I remember watching a video years ago where he would talk about tracing on a board where the puck would go and studying that. He was a great hockey mind, before those existed at the player level. I think you also have to remember, sports "fitness" didn't exist back them...just read Kieth Jones honest assessment of the level of fitness it took to reach the NHL, and that is not in the too distant past. 99 was in shape and smarter then most of the guys on the ice...his advanced skill level was the kicker.
- JW98FlyerFan

Gretzky had a huge fitness advantage back then comparably. His recovery time between shifts was off the charts. That's why he was so good in the 3rd period and late in games.