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Surprising NHL analyst's verdict on Crosby vs. Lemieux leaves hockey world in awe
NHL analyst Mike Asti believes that Mario Lemieux is the greatest Penguin of all time, despite Sidney Crosby's recent accomplishments, and fans are in awe.
Sidney Crosby has finally broken Mario Lemieux's record to become the Pittsburgh Penguins' all-time points record holder. Over the weekend, Crosby reached 1,724 points. This surpasses Mario Lemieux's points by one.
Lemieux accumulated 1,723 points. His records include 690 goals and 1,033 assists. Additionally, Crosby has 645 goals and 1,079 assists.
However, even in reaching this milestone, Lemieux retains his position as the greatest player in the franchise's history, according to NHL analyst Mike Asti.
What sets Mario Lemieux apart, according to one NHL analyst
This is because while playing only 915 games in 17 years, Lemieux managed to reach the mark, interrupted by cancer and a short retirement in the late 1990s, compared to 21 years for Crosby in 1,387 games.
"So while both are widely regarded as among the best players in the history of the sport, making Penguins fans blessed to call each their own, Lemieux's accomplishments in less time still allow him to reign supreme over Crosby."
- Mike Asti
- Mike Asti
Lemieux's superiority is evident in individual awards, according to Asti. The player won the Hart Trophy three times, topped the league in points six times for the Art Ross Trophy, received the NHL's Most Outstanding Player four times, and was a nine-time All-Star.
Crosby has two MVP awards, two scoring titles, three Ted Lindsay Awards, and eight All-Star Game appearances.
Sidney Crosby does have more Stanley Cups than Mario Lemieux
In the matter of Stanley Cup titles, Crosby has three titles in four Finals, while Lemieux led the Penguins to consecutive titles in the 1991 and 1992 seasons. Both players were able to take home the Conn Smythe Trophy twice in their careers.
Crosby has also played almost twice as many playoff games, with 201 playoff points in 180 games, to Lemieux's 172 playoff points in 137 games.
Although the longevity of Crosby's career is astounding, the fact that Lemieux achieved this while in fewer games puts him at number one, per Asti, which is sure to spark tons of debate within the hockey world.
One thing we can all agree on, however, is that two generations of Penguin fans have been lucky enough to see eras defined by incredible talents such as Lemieux and Crosby.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 126 ANSWERS Surprising NHL analyst's verdict on Crosby vs. Lemieux leaves hockey world in awe Who is the best Penguin of all time? | ||
| Sidney Crosby | 25 | 19.8 % |
| Mario Lemieux | 62 | 49.2 % |
| Both are equal | 33 | 26.2 % |
| Dark horse: Jaromir Jagr | 6 | 4.8 % |
| List of polls | ||