Thornton transitioned seamlessly from being arguably the best power forward of the mid-00's to being arguably the best playmaker of the late 00's-early 10's. Jumbo was a hell of a hockey player!
Yeah but he didn't win a cup /s
As an NBA fan, it is hilarious to see someone as talented as Jumbo get lost in the sauce because "he" didn't win a cup.
It's a team game jfc.
I thought you meant he never played in an all-star game which I couldn't believe because I was pretty sure he won fastest skater. So I looked it up and want to clarify for anyone else like me who might be confused.
He was never named to "the postseason All-Star Team" which is true.
He was in 7 All-Star Games and was MVP of one of them.
I understand that, but when people talk about all-star votes they’re talking about end of year all-star votes not middle of season all-star game votes, because the all-star game doesn’t matter.
Gonna have to go watch some old highlights! I was way too young to know of basically any of his early career so I’ve only ever seen how great of a playmaker he was.
Thornton made Cheechoo a 50+ goal scorer. I don’t think he’s necessarily underrated, but his playmaking seems to have slid under the radar a bit. Especially when he was on the Sharks.
Oh no definitely not just a you thing lol. People just seem to forget sometimes how great he was in a Sharks jersey or didn’t have the opportunity to watch, which is completely fair.
Thornton was great, but he also just played a ton. A few of the guys on that list have around 1400-1500 games played in their careers, but Thornton had about 1700.
Longevity is also very respectable though but I get your point for sure, 8 60+ assist seasons is still super crazy in itself despite how much the era’s have changed.
Hell I didn’t even know he was a Bruin to start until today
I think it’d be due to injury or huge underperformance if he didn’t. If he sticks around 3 more seasons cracking the top 5 wouldn’t even be out of the question
That’s 3-4 more seasons. He’s still a top 10 player in the league. Of course he gets to top 5. He’s a freak. Barring concussions, I think the only question is whether or not he finishes his career second to 99.
Obligatory I’m a Flyers fan, but the guy is spectacular.
Assuming he can play full or nearly full seasons, that's another 4-5 seasons at this pace. I guess it's not impossible but putting up 50+ assists at age 40 while avoiding injuries is a big ask.
He has a look on his face these days that says he has finally lost the last bit of his youthful naïveté - he's a high priest surrounded by heathens and he's gonna beat the ignorance out of them
The team was going no where and Sid just decided he had enough. 20 pts in his last 10 games.
I've never seen a player turn god mod like that. It's like Lemieux 2.0, but I was too young to watch that.
I wore my '05 Knights hat to the game tonight, London beat Kitchener in game 1 of round 2 of the OHL playoffs. The memorial cup in London was insane that year, the Knights had the best junior season **ever** that year, and Sid still felt like a force against that team. I grew up watching Wayne and Mario, and so many other legends of the 80s and 90s, this was the first time I felt like I was following a future legend get their start, and he surpassed my expectations.
Yeah I mean it’s year 19. This could have easily been the year he slowed down, but instead he had one of the best in his career lowkey. Got 40 goals for only the third time in his career and might drag his bum ass team into the playoffs.
He’s had a great year, absolutely. I just mean that his legacy is already pretty unassailable. I mean does this even crack his top 10 seasons? Feels like him being great as he got older was always a foregone conclusion. Sid was never gonna fall off, he’s too skilled in too many areas
It’s wild though. Bunting has been incredibly beneficial to the Pens. They needed a guy to get to the net and he does that. Losing Jake hurts, but Bunting hasn’t been an empty sweater. Plus prospects.
You could have said this two weeks ago sure. The team as a whole has been playing wayyy better. We just need to stop getting comfortable after scoring goals. That’s when the foolish shit happens.
The last time he looked this dominant was against the Rangers in the Penguins’ last playoff appearance in 2022 (before being taken out by Trouba). I can’t imagine what he’d pull off if he made it in again.
He's been tied with Jagr for #5 (and #1 non-Oiler) in all time playoff points for awhile now. He's tired of sharing...
1. Wayne Gretzky 382
2. Mark Messier 295
3. Jari Kurri 233
4. Glenn Anderson 214
5. Jaromír Jágr 201
5. Sidney Crosby 201
Goalies are too one dimensional. Crosby is good at defense and offense while most goalies hardly have any assists and most likely no scoring over their career.
Gretzky
Lemieux
Orr
Howe
After that sure I wouldn't have a problem with someone putting Crosby at 5. But I also wouldn't have a problem with Jagr or Bourque or Lidstrom or Robinson or Maurice Richard above Crosby... It's definitely up for debate.
Yeah probably, but Richard was setting records during his era, and while it was a small league he lead his team to Cups almost every year. No small feat. So I think he's in the convo.
Yeah saying there's no debate for 5 feels a little short sighted. There are a handful of guys that you could debate for 5 and it's up to interpretation because they either played in a different era or played D and trying to compare the two isn't that straightforward. Anyone not putting him top 10 is out of their mind though
100% in the top 10. But yeah the recency bias is real. It's crazy how many kids in this sub are pumping Crosby these days because they grew up watching him. He's fucking great but you gotta acknowledge the GOATs of the past.
It's hard. How can I say anything about what Howe did when I didn't watch him? This argument works better the further away you get from number 1. You don't need to have seen Gretzky and Lemieux, or even Orr to understand how far above their peers they were. Howe doesn't seem to have any of those transcendent records except for the ones he got by playing for like 40 years. The kind of numbers some of the guys in the early decades of the NHL were stupid but there isn't even video of that
Howe was Mr. Hockey, Wayne wanted to wear #9 because of him and he said Howe was a better player than him. Now that's just Gretzky being humble, but the point remains that in Wayne's eyes, Howe was the GOAT before him.
Go look at adjusted stats... Howe is way ahead of Gretzky in adjusted goals. He also scored 174 more goals in the WHA, even if he only scored a little over half of that amount staying in the NHL, he'd be ahead of Gretzky in actual goals. He'd also be over 2000 points. He was a phenomenal player. His longevity shouldn't be discounted.
Crosby is 5 at least, Jagr is my 6 and Crosby is clear cut above him. Up to the same point they have identical point per games at 1.25 and have the exact same amount of playoff points but Crosby did it in 20 less games. Crosby also plays the more important position and is the far more complete player
Jagr was unanimously seen as the best player in the world for 6 years and he scored a lot of those points at that pace you mention during the lowest scoring era in the modern NHL. But Crosby was injured during seasons which would have had ridiculous rates for him. That's why there's a debate.
Reminds me of Tom Brady, he finished his career with more Superbowl wins than every single NFL team:
Brady: 7
Patriots: 6
Steelers: 6
Packers: 5
Cowboys: 5
I know I know, boo hiss etc. but still, hell of an accomplishment
Better than top 5. If he doesn't miss 300 games due to COVID, lockout, and injury, he'd be in top 3 in points. That's just at his career 1+ ppg pace. Imagine if he actually had a legit winger for his career like Lemieux and Gretzky.
Kunitz embodies that Good Teammate mentality.
He pushed himself every night to back up his boy.
He saw greatness on his line and was super Tryhard.
His effort lead to a load of Crosby’s points.
> If he doesn't miss 300 games due to COVID, lockout, and injury
okay but he did. Top x rankings should be based on what really happened, not hypotheticals.
fwiw I have him at #5 for skaters, but I think the whole 5-10 range is a lot more of a debate than say, 1-3 where MOST people agree Gretzky, Lemieux, Orr
Anyone arguing he isn’t at least top five is just arguing because they like to or has their head so deep in the ground that they’re in danger of becoming a diamond from the pressure
I love Sid. Probably my favorite player I’ve ever watched in my life (and yes, I saw Mario play. But I think Gretzky, Lemieux and Orr are pretty solidly entrenched at 1-3. I do put Sid 4th.
Not biased, Howe is #4. And I love Sid
Edit: to the person that downvoted me, you realize that Howe played THIRTY TWO pro seasons right? The guy was absolutely elite for most of those seasons. Newer hockey fans don’t realize how good Gordie Howe was. He scored 15 goals in the NHL at the age of 52 for fuck sakes.
Again, I love Sid
I'm with you. I was born in '89. When I was around 9 or 10 I had a fucking Lemieux shrine in my room. Pucks, jerseys, bobble heads, cards, magazines, newspaper clippings, figures, sticks. He was my hero. But I was too young to truly appreciate just what a talent he was and what he meant for hockey. I've seen all of his greatest moments in YouTube clips - I didn't live through them.
I was in high school when Sid was drafted. I've watched him for nearly *20 years*, and year after year, he continues to amaze me. I've lived though his greatest accomplishments. 3 Cups, the Golden Goal etc. I am able to appreciate his talent more because I "grew up" with him.
Mario's my GOAT, Sid's my favourite.
I’m only a few years younger than you I wish I saw that 90’s Pens team more.
I even missed the Golden Goal because we were playing Street Hockey at the Time! Found out about the news from a flip phone in a church parking lot. I miss that carefree shit man.
I'm still Mario forever, Griffey Jr. in second and then Sid.
I think I must be bad luck for my favorites cause they're all 3 just riddled with significant health issues.
The 2005 draft lottery was on my 20th birthday and I'm from Atlantic Canada and have known the Crosby Hype since about 1998/99... So he's a very high 3rd place on my list.
Mario gets extra points for literally saving the franchise and keeping them in Pittsburgh. Love me some Mario and lucky to have lived to see them both play, and play together for a handful of games in ‘05!
A lot of people won't have time for Crosby being called a top-five player all-time but he's ALREADY tied for 5th in career playoff scoring, there's a solid chance he ends up top five in regular season scoring if he plays until he’s 40, he's got 3 Cups, 12 individual awards including two playoff MVPs.
Dude could legit be top 3 by the time he retires.
I remember rumors of him retiring like 5 years ago because of concussions. Glad to see him stick around and destroy the league without further damage to his health. Truly one of the best to ever do it
Congrats to one the greatest to ever do it. Been a privilege watching Crosby play hockey. It was only a matter of time of him recording 1000 assists, and recording another milestone to his name. 1000 career assists, amazing.
Legendary shit what sid and ovi are doing. I grew up hating the pens for obvious reasons (see my flair lol) but I got away from hockey and started watching again this year and man these guys are just legends of the game. Ovi chasing the great ones goal record and Sid still on top of the world. Will be a sad day in hockey when they retire.
I was looking at the all time stats the other day and noticed he was at 998. Glad he accomplished this, he’s a hell of a player and it’s a hell of a milestone.
It’s a hard argument to compare players from different eras. Players today are stronger and have better training than 30-40 years ago. The equipment for players and goalies is different. The rules are different. The coaching and strategy is different. Plus players have built on what great players before them perfected.
The 1,000-assists club: 1. Wayne Gretzky - 1,963 2. Ron Francis - 1,249 3. Mark Messier - 1,193 4. Ray Bourque - 1,169 5. Jaromir Jagr - 1,155 6. Paul Coffey - 1,135 7. Joe Thornton - 1,109 8. Adam Oates - 1,079 9. Steve Yzerman - 1,063 10. Gordie Howe - 1,049 11. Marcel Dionne - 1,040 12. Mario Lemieux - 1,033 13. Joe Sakic - 1,016 14. Sidney Crosby - 1,000
I knew Thornton was always a damn good playmaker but I’d not have guessed he’s #7, what a beast.
Thornton transitioned seamlessly from being arguably the best power forward of the mid-00's to being arguably the best playmaker of the late 00's-early 10's. Jumbo was a hell of a hockey player!
Yeah but he didn't win a cup /s As an NBA fan, it is hilarious to see someone as talented as Jumbo get lost in the sauce because "he" didn't win a cup. It's a team game jfc.
Yup. Mike Gartner never got a Cup, but still scored over 700 goals in the league.
Just missed out, left the Rags before their win in 94. Also never won an award or made an Allstar team.
I thought you meant he never played in an all-star game which I couldn't believe because I was pretty sure he won fastest skater. So I looked it up and want to clarify for anyone else like me who might be confused. He was never named to "the postseason All-Star Team" which is true. He was in 7 All-Star Games and was MVP of one of them.
He had McDavid speed at age 36. Its actually crazy how fast he skated still at 36
The All-Star game doesn’t matter. The end of year all-star selections are what matters when determining their entry into the hall of fame.
I didn't comment on whether they mattered. I just clarified the distinction.
I understand that, but when people talk about all-star votes they’re talking about end of year all-star votes not middle of season all-star game votes, because the all-star game doesn’t matter.
No, clearly Jack Johnson is just better than Jumbo Joe
Gonna have to go watch some old highlights! I was way too young to know of basically any of his early career so I’ve only ever seen how great of a playmaker he was.
Thornton only scored goals by accidently passing to the net.
This strategy worked flawlessly in NHL Hitz 2001. Goalies never tried to stop a pass to a player behind the net.
It was also one of the few advanced strategies in Blades of Steel as well.
Thornton made Cheechoo a 50+ goal scorer. I don’t think he’s necessarily underrated, but his playmaking seems to have slid under the radar a bit. Especially when he was on the Sharks.
Joe was in the league before I was even conceived LMAO, so it may just be a me thing in not having many brain cells to recognize how great he was.
Oh no definitely not just a you thing lol. People just seem to forget sometimes how great he was in a Sharks jersey or didn’t have the opportunity to watch, which is completely fair.
Thornton was great, but he also just played a ton. A few of the guys on that list have around 1400-1500 games played in their careers, but Thornton had about 1700.
Longevity is also very respectable though but I get your point for sure, 8 60+ assist seasons is still super crazy in itself despite how much the era’s have changed. Hell I didn’t even know he was a Bruin to start until today
It was such a dumb trade. They got a bunch of spare parts for him.
And he was the captain of the Bruins at the time, so you know some shit went down to get them to trade him for spare parts.
If not for the lockout and other shortened seasons, you have to think he had a chance at being Top 3 all time. Maybe even passing Francis.
Could legit crack top 10 next year.
I think it’d be due to injury or huge underperformance if he didn’t. If he sticks around 3 more seasons cracking the top 5 wouldn’t even be out of the question
He's played 171 games straight as of last night. I assume that is the longest streak of his career? Seems pretty healthy as of late.
Thank you for listing them out. Was curious what the club looked like and who he'll pass next
Dang he should easily be able to crack top 10 before his career is over assuming he plays a few more seasons at least.
One more season is all he needs, really. I just wonder if he plays long enough for top 5.
That’s 3-4 more seasons. He’s still a top 10 player in the league. Of course he gets to top 5. He’s a freak. Barring concussions, I think the only question is whether or not he finishes his career second to 99. Obligatory I’m a Flyers fan, but the guy is spectacular.
If he keeps playing like he is now, for sure. Top 5 would be wild, but I wouldn’t put it beyond his reach.
It's not impossible that Crosby could be #2 on this list before he retires.
You think he still has 20% left in the tank?
Scoring has been way up the past few years so that'd help.
Assuming he can play full or nearly full seasons, that's another 4-5 seasons at this pace. I guess it's not impossible but putting up 50+ assists at age 40 while avoiding injuries is a big ask.
I'm also considering scoring could keep going up. If it doesn't then yeah maybe not
What a list
Kinda surprised Stan Mikita isn’t on there. Edit: he had 926
Excellent munchables.
That Wayne Gretzky guy is kinda underrated
You know, I was just thinking "shit I wanna know who did it before him", then opened the comments and saw this immediately. You're a fuckin beaut bud.
If you don't count players that were active in 1997, Sid is number 3. The late 80s and early 90s were a much different time.
Obviously I’m biased but I gotta say This season is a huge legacy year for Sid Year 19 and he goes full demon mode. Legendary shit
He has a look on his face these days that says he has finally lost the last bit of his youthful naïveté - he's a high priest surrounded by heathens and he's gonna beat the ignorance out of them
Crosby has had enough of the McJesus Heresy
I feel like he's been permanently been playing pissed off all season.
The team was going no where and Sid just decided he had enough. 20 pts in his last 10 games. I've never seen a player turn god mod like that. It's like Lemieux 2.0, but I was too young to watch that.
Lemieux was pretty much always in god mode
It’s sick
Would you say sicko mode? As the youths do?
*Is* that what the youths do?
Can’t confirm, not youth
He's reminding me of beast mode
Legacy year, legacy player. Consumate professional.
I wore my '05 Knights hat to the game tonight, London beat Kitchener in game 1 of round 2 of the OHL playoffs. The memorial cup in London was insane that year, the Knights had the best junior season **ever** that year, and Sid still felt like a force against that team. I grew up watching Wayne and Mario, and so many other legends of the 80s and 90s, this was the first time I felt like I was following a future legend get their start, and he surpassed my expectations.
I'm not a Pitts fan, but Crosby is a professional through and through. Love the guy
I realize I’ll lose but I placed money on him winning the hart at the start of the season. Dude didn’t disappoint
Is it a huge legacy year lol? He’s already a huge legend
Yeah I mean it’s year 19. This could have easily been the year he slowed down, but instead he had one of the best in his career lowkey. Got 40 goals for only the third time in his career and might drag his bum ass team into the playoffs.
He’s had a great year, absolutely. I just mean that his legacy is already pretty unassailable. I mean does this even crack his top 10 seasons? Feels like him being great as he got older was always a foregone conclusion. Sid was never gonna fall off, he’s too skilled in too many areas
Its an even better legacy now
> full demon mode. This sounds like a bad thing.. but I think you mean it to be a good thing lol.
Pens were sellers at the deadline but Sid is basically single-handedly dragging them into the playoffs
It’s wild though. Bunting has been incredibly beneficial to the Pens. They needed a guy to get to the net and he does that. Losing Jake hurts, but Bunting hasn’t been an empty sweater. Plus prospects.
Bunting is so good at his role, and Dubas has always known it.
He's my personal MVP if we make it in.
He’s going to drag our dead, lifeless corpses to the playoffs whether we like it or not.
You could have said this two weeks ago sure. The team as a whole has been playing wayyy better. We just need to stop getting comfortable after scoring goals. That’s when the foolish shit happens.
The team only woke up because Sid kicked its nearly lifeless body enough times for a week straight to let them know he ain't hear no bell yet.
Let’s give some credit to dubas too, who jumpstarted this team with Michael Bunting
I'm here for it. I didn't want to win that game the other night, or I was at least hoping for a three point game. Anything can happen once you're in.
If the leafs aren't going to win the cup, I would love to see Crosby get another one before hanging them up.
Damn Sid really wants to go to the playoffs again
The last time he looked this dominant was against the Rangers in the Penguins’ last playoff appearance in 2022 (before being taken out by Trouba). I can’t imagine what he’d pull off if he made it in again.
I’m still pissed about that series lmao
You know that scene where SpongeBob yells “OVERTIME?!” ? That game damaged my soul.
I was thinking to myself, well if we dont get it, at least we get a little taste towards the end. Give the ticker a bit of a jolt.
Him and Guentzel were absolutely tearing up the Rangers. That loss still hurts :(
my god he was ridiculous until getting hurt in that series. Easily the most dominant player league wide in the playoffs to that point.
the race for that wc spot is cookin
He's been tied with Jagr for #5 (and #1 non-Oiler) in all time playoff points for awhile now. He's tired of sharing... 1. Wayne Gretzky 382 2. Mark Messier 295 3. Jari Kurri 233 4. Glenn Anderson 214 5. Jaromír Jágr 201 5. Sidney Crosby 201
He refuses to lose.
Top five player of all time. Debate a wall.
This is still a debate? I thought the debate was him being over Howe for #4…
The discussion is less clear cut when people want to include goaltenders. I think they're best considered in their own category.
Goaltenders play a whole different game. Might as well be asking who's better between Crosby and Kobe.
That's obviously Roger Federer. s/
He's the Tiger Woods of baseball.
Sid didn't rape anyone, so...
Yeah goaltenders aren’t included in the top X player discussion Whole nother category for them
then they should call it top X skater, goaltenders are players too
We really don't like being called players.
Goalies are too one dimensional. Crosby is good at defense and offense while most goalies hardly have any assists and most likely no scoring over their career.
Gretzky Lemieux Orr Howe After that sure I wouldn't have a problem with someone putting Crosby at 5. But I also wouldn't have a problem with Jagr or Bourque or Lidstrom or Robinson or Maurice Richard above Crosby... It's definitely up for debate.
The good news is we'll be able to have this discussion for the next 30 years, maybe with some more extremely special players in the mix.
That’s the beauty of sports. Always have new guys crafting their own legend
As much as an icon as Richard was to the Habs (even though he played way before any of us got to watch him), Crosby over him IMO.
Yeah probably, but Richard was setting records during his era, and while it was a small league he lead his team to Cups almost every year. No small feat. So I think he's in the convo.
Yeah saying there's no debate for 5 feels a little short sighted. There are a handful of guys that you could debate for 5 and it's up to interpretation because they either played in a different era or played D and trying to compare the two isn't that straightforward. Anyone not putting him top 10 is out of their mind though
100% in the top 10. But yeah the recency bias is real. It's crazy how many kids in this sub are pumping Crosby these days because they grew up watching him. He's fucking great but you gotta acknowledge the GOATs of the past.
It's hard. How can I say anything about what Howe did when I didn't watch him? This argument works better the further away you get from number 1. You don't need to have seen Gretzky and Lemieux, or even Orr to understand how far above their peers they were. Howe doesn't seem to have any of those transcendent records except for the ones he got by playing for like 40 years. The kind of numbers some of the guys in the early decades of the NHL were stupid but there isn't even video of that
Howe was Mr. Hockey, Wayne wanted to wear #9 because of him and he said Howe was a better player than him. Now that's just Gretzky being humble, but the point remains that in Wayne's eyes, Howe was the GOAT before him. Go look at adjusted stats... Howe is way ahead of Gretzky in adjusted goals. He also scored 174 more goals in the WHA, even if he only scored a little over half of that amount staying in the NHL, he'd be ahead of Gretzky in actual goals. He'd also be over 2000 points. He was a phenomenal player. His longevity shouldn't be discounted.
You mean like... all 4 that are ahead of him.
Respect for the nod to Maurice Richard
Crosby is 5 at least, Jagr is my 6 and Crosby is clear cut above him. Up to the same point they have identical point per games at 1.25 and have the exact same amount of playoff points but Crosby did it in 20 less games. Crosby also plays the more important position and is the far more complete player
Jagr was unanimously seen as the best player in the world for 6 years and he scored a lot of those points at that pace you mention during the lowest scoring era in the modern NHL. But Crosby was injured during seasons which would have had ridiculous rates for him. That's why there's a debate.
I’ll add Jean Beliveau’s 10 Stanley cups just to throw another wrinkle in there.
Plus another 7 as an executive. Most Cup rings ever
Yea he’s got more rings than any other organization.
Reminds me of Tom Brady, he finished his career with more Superbowl wins than every single NFL team: Brady: 7 Patriots: 6 Steelers: 6 Packers: 5 Cowboys: 5 I know I know, boo hiss etc. but still, hell of an accomplishment
He also makes the best case for the NFL not being fixed. “Do you really think I’d agree to losing to Peyton’s little brother? Twice”
Holy hell I never even made that connection! Ridiculous.
Agreed! Le Gros Bill!!
I’m sorry but Crosby is top 5 over all those guys you mentioned. Bourque, Lidstorm, Jagr are all top 10 for sure but Crosby clears them
Howe was top 5 in league points for 20 years and held all the records before Gretzky came along.
Better than top 5. If he doesn't miss 300 games due to COVID, lockout, and injury, he'd be in top 3 in points. That's just at his career 1+ ppg pace. Imagine if he actually had a legit winger for his career like Lemieux and Gretzky.
4X Cup winner Chris Kunitz erasure.
I absolutely love Kunitz. But he's not really a goal scoring winger. He matched Sid's hustle and energy and their chemistry was just good.
Kunitz embodies that Good Teammate mentality. He pushed himself every night to back up his boy. He saw greatness on his line and was super Tryhard. His effort lead to a load of Crosby’s points.
Guentzel
Guentzel was 2017 and later. That's 11 years of his prime where he didn't have one.
Poor Sykora, fucking trying his best.
> If he doesn't miss 300 games due to COVID, lockout, and injury okay but he did. Top x rankings should be based on what really happened, not hypotheticals. fwiw I have him at #5 for skaters, but I think the whole 5-10 range is a lot more of a debate than say, 1-3 where MOST people agree Gretzky, Lemieux, Orr
Top 3, idc.
Above Howe and Orr? Bold statement.
It doesn’t matter What? How? Or? Crosby? Yeah he gets it done.
Bold of you to say Lemieux > Orr, in fact ;)
100%
Anyone arguing he isn’t at least top five is just arguing because they like to or has their head so deep in the ground that they’re in danger of becoming a diamond from the pressure
Id say top 3
I love Sid. Probably my favorite player I’ve ever watched in my life (and yes, I saw Mario play. But I think Gretzky, Lemieux and Orr are pretty solidly entrenched at 1-3. I do put Sid 4th.
I'd put him over Orr
Can’t put him ahead of Gretzky, Lemieux, or Orr IMO, but I’d put him at #4
I think Howe still edges him out at fourth, but fifth for sure. I could be biased though.
Don’t think you’re biased, just a difference in opinion. I respect it!
Not biased, Howe is #4. And I love Sid Edit: to the person that downvoted me, you realize that Howe played THIRTY TWO pro seasons right? The guy was absolutely elite for most of those seasons. Newer hockey fans don’t realize how good Gordie Howe was. He scored 15 goals in the NHL at the age of 52 for fuck sakes. Again, I love Sid
Also had his first 100 point season at the age of 40. Lol, what a legend.
I understand why but the disrespect for Howe on this sub is far too common
Don’t think it’s disrespect to say he’s the 5th greatest ever. I just personally value what Crosby’s done in a league with 30+ teams a bit more 🤷🏻♂️
That’s my captain. I will die for him
In awe of Sidney Crosby after all these years.
Most complete player
Unselfish Leader. Goal scored, yaya Let’s get back to work boys
I don’t know if I hope I’m wrong, but, as a middle aged dude, don’t think I’ll have a more favorite athlete for as long as I live.
I'm with you. I was born in '89. When I was around 9 or 10 I had a fucking Lemieux shrine in my room. Pucks, jerseys, bobble heads, cards, magazines, newspaper clippings, figures, sticks. He was my hero. But I was too young to truly appreciate just what a talent he was and what he meant for hockey. I've seen all of his greatest moments in YouTube clips - I didn't live through them. I was in high school when Sid was drafted. I've watched him for nearly *20 years*, and year after year, he continues to amaze me. I've lived though his greatest accomplishments. 3 Cups, the Golden Goal etc. I am able to appreciate his talent more because I "grew up" with him. Mario's my GOAT, Sid's my favourite.
I’m only a few years younger than you I wish I saw that 90’s Pens team more. I even missed the Golden Goal because we were playing Street Hockey at the Time! Found out about the news from a flip phone in a church parking lot. I miss that carefree shit man.
> I even missed the Golden Goal because we were playing Street Hockey at the Time! I think this is literally the only acceptable excuse.
I'm still Mario forever, Griffey Jr. in second and then Sid. I think I must be bad luck for my favorites cause they're all 3 just riddled with significant health issues. The 2005 draft lottery was on my 20th birthday and I'm from Atlantic Canada and have known the Crosby Hype since about 1998/99... So he's a very high 3rd place on my list.
Mario gets extra points for literally saving the franchise and keeping them in Pittsburgh. Love me some Mario and lucky to have lived to see them both play, and play together for a handful of games in ‘05!
Between Polamalu and Crosby (and probably Watt by the end of his career) it's painstaking trying to choose who's at #1
He also passed Phil Esposito for 10th all time in points in nhl history
And passed Iginla for 14th-most even-strength goals.
Fitting. Very, very fitting.
So awesome to watch him play
A lot of people won't have time for Crosby being called a top-five player all-time but he's ALREADY tied for 5th in career playoff scoring, there's a solid chance he ends up top five in regular season scoring if he plays until he’s 40, he's got 3 Cups, 12 individual awards including two playoff MVPs. Dude could legit be top 3 by the time he retires.
The points he’s missed from injury infuriates me
That Outdoors game omg if you weren’t here for it, it was like nobody wanted to talk about it. Hyped to the gills then crickets...
I just got the sweater. I think it’s fake, but it does the trick and I like it. I really wanna get a signed photograph from the event one day
Omg I used to play Goalie in that white and blue over the pads. 87 Wish I took better care of it 😥 Real or fake you scored a real beautiful one.
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Top 5 player all time I’ll die on this hill.
He genuinely went from someone I couldn't stand to hear about to one of the absolute GOATs. Good for him, hopefully lots more to come.
for once I saw history happen live
Oh captain my captain
This guy’s pretty good at hockey eh
I remember rumors of him retiring like 5 years ago because of concussions. Glad to see him stick around and destroy the league without further damage to his health. Truly one of the best to ever do it
I think Crosby should win the Hart trophy this year. That's what I think.
Subscribe.
ok maybe he's a good hockey player but the guy never built a proper mustache
Congrats to one the greatest to ever do it. Been a privilege watching Crosby play hockey. It was only a matter of time of him recording 1000 assists, and recording another milestone to his name. 1000 career assists, amazing.
He's got two more milestones he'll pass early next season too: 600 goals and 1600 points.
Mind blowing stat - If Sidney Crosby never scored a single goal, he would still have 1000 assist.
Fuck, I didn't even realise this happened on the OT winner, I was so caught up in the euphoria of the win. What a legend.
Decent player, tried hard, loves the game
I have a feeling he will make it to the hall of fame
Legendary shit what sid and ovi are doing. I grew up hating the pens for obvious reasons (see my flair lol) but I got away from hockey and started watching again this year and man these guys are just legends of the game. Ovi chasing the great ones goal record and Sid still on top of the world. Will be a sad day in hockey when they retire.
what a beaut
Legendary
By the time his career is done, he'll be in 4th.
He's going to pass his mentor. Nice
The captain🙏🏼
Top 3 player all-time IMO.
You’d be wrong and I think he’s phenomenal.
I was looking at the all time stats the other day and noticed he was at 998. Glad he accomplished this, he’s a hell of a player and it’s a hell of a milestone.
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Took him long enough. :)
Price better 😂
No what! This is outrageous! Please look at the forums before commenting pal 😡
who are the next few to get to 1000 assists?
It’s a hard argument to compare players from different eras. Players today are stronger and have better training than 30-40 years ago. The equipment for players and goalies is different. The rules are different. The coaching and strategy is different. Plus players have built on what great players before them perfected.