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Beyond the statistical dominance of Gretzky (which I'll admit is not necessarily the most important criteria), watching Gretzky play was every bit as awe-inspiring as Orr. He had a vision for the game that is unparallelled in the history of the game.
It was like everything was in slow motion, he'd put the puck seemingly into the middle of nowhere, suddenly there's a player there waiting to rush in unopposed. He single-handedly made players like Jari Kurri, Luc Robitaille, etc appear like all-stars, even though they could barely top 20 goals without him.
It's a great argument that could go either way, but to call the notion of Gretzky as the greatest ever "hilarious" is just seeing things through black and gold tinted glasses.
Gretz was a once in a lifetime talent that's for sure.
He was a child prodigy. I remember watching Gretz play in a tournament that I played in many years ago. He was 10 years old and playing against 14 year olds. Triple A level hockey (best in Canada, maybe the world). Even though many of these 14 year olds were a foot taller and 50# heavier than Gretz (and many ultimately drafted into the NHL), they couldn't touch him. Gretz scored 10 goals in the game.
I'd say Welker and Edleman (and probably some Rbs) are more dynamic a runner in open space than Hernandez.
But, Hernandez is significantly harder to take down and I'd say pound for pound he has more open field agility than perhaps anyone (offense) in the NFL. Just has to make sure he understands situations and when to tug for those extra yards and when to go down (assuming he maintains the sae level of ball security, which could be improved).
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Don't let a small thing like Facts get in the way of a good opinion.
Gretz was a once in a lifetime talent that's for sure.
He was a child prodigy. I remember watching Gretz play in a tournament that I played in many years ago. He was 10 years old and playing against 14 year olds. Triple A level hockey (best in Canada, maybe the world). Even though many of these 14 year olds were a foot taller and 50# heavier than Gretz (and many ultimately drafted into the NHL), they couldn't touch him. Gretz scored 10 goals in the game.
Agreed, an absolute magician with the puck. Still, before I get killed, I consider Orr in the same exact category. I'm content to list Orr as the greatest defenseman of all time, and Gretzky the greatest forward, and concede that comparing them is difficult due to the positions (and eras in which they played). They're both transcendent players.
Beyond the statistical dominance of Gretzky (which I'll admit is not necessarily the most important criteria), watching Gretzky play was every bit as awe-inspiring as Orr. He had a vision for the game that is unparallelled in the history of the game.
It was like everything was in slow motion, he'd put the puck seemingly into the middle of nowhere, suddenly there's a player there waiting to rush in unopposed. He single-handedly made players like Jari Kurri, Luc Robitaille, etc appear like all-stars, even though they could barely top 20 goals without him.
It's a great argument that could go either way, but to call the notion of Gretzky as the greatest ever "hilarious" is just seeing things through black and gold tinted glasses.
Really??
How was Gretzky's Defense?
In all fairness, though: I was thinking of the dismissive "Of course it's Gretzky!!" attitude that so many of the Ignorant are saddled with...As I clearly said, above: Gretzky as the Greatest is at least supportable.
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It All Starts In The Trenches.
Run The Damned Ball.
Use The Whole Pig.
Develop & Deploy a Tenacious D!!
Drive the Enemy before you...and savor the Lamentations of their Women!!
In all fairness, though: I was thinking of the dismissive "Of course it's Gretzky!!" attitude that so many of the Ignorant are saddled with...As I clearly said, above: Gretzky as the Greatest is at least supportable.
Which is precisely what I was responding to in your post my good sir The notion that Gretzky's status is "hilarious" is just as dismissive in my eyes, hence my desire to make a strong case.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Off The Grid
How was Gretzky's Defense?
If you're talking about traditional views of defense, you're right. In the defensive zone he wasn't going to shut anyone down. But hockey isn't like football. It's not a series of offensive plays followed by a series of defensive plays. It's free flowing, and the other team can't score if Gretzky and his offense always has the puck. I'm willing to bet the number of goals scored against his teams while he was on the ice is relatively low.
All this said, if I was going to start a team with one player in his prime, I wouldn't start with either of them. I'd pick Mark Messier. That's a guy who could do everything. Score, pass, fight, win faceoffs, kill penalties, be mean and nasty, and inspire his team both on and off the ice. Only player to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup championships, and one of the best leaders in the history of sports.
Agreed, an absolute magician with the puck. Still, before I get killed, I consider Orr in the same exact category.
I'm content to list Orr as the greatest defenseman of all time, and Gretzky the greatest forward, and concede that comparing them is difficult due to the positions (and eras in which they played).
They're both transcendent players.
Works for me!!
It's well documented that I've never been a fan of trying to boil it down to a #1, anyway, and for those very same reasons...It is, in fact, the foolish insistence, by so many Ignoramuses, that Jordan and Gretzky are the clear #1's that I was, in fact, objecting to, if you reference my Post.
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Love HURTS!!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
It All Starts In The Trenches.
Run The Damned Ball.
Use The Whole Pig.
Develop & Deploy a Tenacious D!!
Drive the Enemy before you...and savor the Lamentations of their Women!!
It's well documented that I've never been a fan of trying to boil it down to a #1, anyway, and for those very same reasons...It is, in fact, the foolish insistence, by so many Ignoramuses, that Jordan and Gretzky are the clear #1's that I was, in fact, objecting to, if you reference my Post.
All this said, if I was going to start a team with one player in his prime, I wouldn't start with either of them. I'd pick Mark Messier. That's a guy who could do everything. Score, pass, fight, win faceoffs, kill penalties, be mean and nasty, and inspire his team both on and off the ice. Only player to captain two different teams to Stanley Cup championships, and one of the best leaders in the history of sports.
One "do it all" player player to start a team with? Two words ...... Gordie Howe.
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Re: 2012 ~ Ascension of Aaron The Navigator!!
The notion that Gretzky's status is "hilarious" is just as dismissive in my eyes, hence my desire to make a strong case.
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