Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
Former Penguin Ryan Malone settles the Sidney Crosby vs. Mario Lemieux debate
Former Penguin Ryan Malone has settled the debate between who is better, Sidney Crosby or Mario Lemieux, saying they are each special in their own ways.
A spot in Penguins history for Mario Lemieux has been cemented, but it remains fascinating to see Sidney Crosby move past him for the first time in 36 years in the Penguins' all-time scoring list.
But it also shows how much Crosby has done in his 21 years as part of the city of Pittsburgh.
What Ryan Malone said to put an end to this debate
Fans in general don't realize how lucky they've been over the past forty years with this level of players in the game, according to former Penguin Ryan Malone. He also feels that Crosby deserves to be at number one.
Mario will always be Mario, and Sid will always be Sid, according to Malone. They are both amazing hockey players.
"I think the fans don't understand how lucky they've been the last four decades, having the elite of elite players being here," Malone said. "What a rare, awesome thing that would probably never be done again with how sports are being done now. With Sid being No. 1, he earned it, obviously. He deserves it. Mario is always going to be Mario. And Sid is going to be Sid, which is a great thing.
"Two amazing hockey players. Pretty cool."
- Ryan Malone
"Two amazing hockey players. Pretty cool."
- Ryan Malone
However, Crosby keeps his comparison simple, as he feels Lemieux is still number one in his books.
Why Sidney Crosby feels Mario Lemieux is still number one
Crosby says people can't put a stat line or a number on what Lemieux means to the Penguins and to hockey in general, which is why, in his mind, he's still number one.
"He's still number one in my book," Crosby said after Sunday's game. "I don't think you can put a stat line or a number on what he means to this team and to hockey. In my mind, he's still number one."
- Sidney Crosby
- Sidney Crosby
A look at Lemieux's assessment of Crosby is more difficult due to his reclusive nature since retirement.
However, on May 30th of 2009, a day before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals in the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Lemieux addressed the media in a rare conference, revealing his impression of the 21-year-old captain who would go on to lead the Penguins to their third championship just a couple of days later.
"He's a lot more mature than I was at (that age)," Lemieux said. "He was a lot more mature at 18. He's a special kid. He's a better player than I was at the same age, for sure. Some of the things that he does on the ice - his strength, skating ability - (are) incredible.
"His passion for the game and his will to be best each and every shift, his work ethic, he's got it all."
- Mario Lemieux
"His passion for the game and his will to be best each and every shift, his work ethic, he's got it all."
- Mario Lemieux
Lemieux has been consistent with his impression of Crosby today, saying he has passion for the game, has a strong will and work ethic, and that he's the complete package.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 24 | 139 ANSWERS Former Penguin Ryan Malone settles the Sidney Crosby vs. Mario Lemieux debate Who is the better player? | ||
| Sidney Crosby | 47 | 33.8 % |
| Mario Lemieux | 65 | 46.8 % |
| What Ryan Malone said | 27 | 19.4 % |
| List of polls | ||