Wayne Gretzky: Mario Lemieux is a better scorer than I

[@thepossiblekid1773]

Wayne is such a humble guy...may God bless this man

[@breakaway2x]

He's a "good canadian kid" man

[@hugh2hoob668]

Nah it was the truth

[@jefftaylor2547]

Yes he is a very humble man . His father Walter taught him to be grateful and be respectful as a young man growing up . The entre family is down to earth and live a normal life outside of the limelight

[@Chris-0703]

His daughter, on the other hand...

[@SignOfTheTimes008]

Both great. I was an oiler fan as a kid in the 80's but I loved watching the Penguins cause of Mario and Jaromir Jagr. I watched the Kings sometimes because of Luke. Good times.

[@tclass99]

BOTH Gretz and Mario are absolute legends of sport. Great people and tremendous athletes who dominated the game. I’m glad that I got to grow up watching that era of hockey.

[@286mic]

And you got clowns today trying to destroy their legacy on KZbin 🤦

[@taekwondotime]

Imagine Wayne Gretzky telling you that: "you're a better goal scorer than I am". Only Mario Lemieux could have been on the receiving end of that conversation. He was that good.

[@ili-samiam-ili3515]

Ovie is the best pure goal scorer of all time imo.

[@taekwondotime]

​@@ili-samiam-ili3515 Quite possibly. Although keep in mind that Gretzky and Lemieux were just as happy to pass and they were to score. You can't really say the same about Ovie. Gretzky and Lemieux put up their goal scoring numbers without fixating on just goal scoring.

[@ili-samiam-ili3515]

@@taekwondotime I think given a full career Bossy would've been considered the best goal scorer of all time. Just super damn consistent.

[@taekwondotime]

@@ili-samiam-ili3515 Who knows? The sport exists for this very reason: endless debate.

[@Apostle1978]

Both Legends. I'm amazed how Mario would cover so much distance touch the puck 4 times . The 4th touch was getting the goal.

[@slovenskosvet2717]

Lemieux was a magician

[@matthewlempicke5280]

yes he was

[@sergebeaulieu7664]

both were so wonderful hockey players Gretzky so humble man again here go canada go !

[@hugh2hoob668]

@Thou Swell Nah Wayne couldn't do what Mario did on ice

[@hugh2hoob668]

@Thou Swell This never happened to Mario lol kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5y4hIWmZ7GAmas

[@11vinni11]

Slovensko Svet Lemieux was no illusion...😜

[@AGTsakumis]

What a gracious and generous man. Not long ago, Wayne and I were both at a Breitling watch event here in Vancouver. It was a commemoration of his 50 goals in 38 games. I'm the largest collector of Breitling in Canada and he's their chief brand ambassador. Along with many other Breitling collectors we spent the night at a Canucks game in one of the private boxes. Let me tell you, if humility, class, grace and intelligence count for anything, Wayne has them all. He was a pleasure to see again and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him be an armchair forward. Very entertaining--and absolute privilege.

[@michaelm2998]

Could not agree more! He is acknowledged globally as the best hockey player Ever, yet he is so down to earth. Gretzky and nowadays LeBron James are such class acts. Both treat the lowest paid arena worker with the same about of respect that they treat their teammates.

[@dzanier]

He is the greatest treasure hockey has ever received.

[@AGTsakumis]

Chip Whitley Right! I hit the eight while aiming for the nine. 😉

[@ghl3186]

"50 in 39" he actually scored a goal in ONLY 28 of those and set the bar at a 51-game point streak. I respect the guy but I am not one to overhype his performance. Not taking anything away but he did have great linemates. But I was born twelve years later so I wouldn't know.

[@AGTsakumis]

Chip Whitley LOL. Agreed....

[@sirmonkey3215]

Lemieux was my idol as a kid.. I naturally liked Gretzky too.. like everyone did. Such a great player and great guy.

[@r.edward5701]

I grew up with uncle's whom are islanders fans. So they would love to rub it in when they beat the Oilers. Back then I, like most idolized Wayne. And then that 87 Canada Cup. I became a lifelong fan of Mario and the Pens. Back then we didn't get many games on tv, but I think the Canada cup games were all televised. I was 12, it made a massive impact on me. So much my family and I traveled to Pittsburgh twice to watch them play in the 90s. That's like a two day drive from Northern Ontario. Such great memories

[@percussionjamz6704]

Wayne is an excellent man. My dads friend in his company lives in Edmonton and knows Wayne personally. And in 2007 when I was a little kid. I was obsessed with Pittsburgh sports and Sidney Crosby. My dad asked his friend to ask Wayne to get an autograph from a sid. Wayne personally went out of his way to grab a jersey and have Sid sign it. months later,I got it in the mail with a letter from wayne explaining the process. I never believed my dad until I met the dude who knows Wayne. And he made it pretty clear that he did it.

[@Bdan-ez6jv]

percussion jamz awesome story

[@Nicosdayinthelife]

Can we see the letter and jersey, such great memorabilia, I would absolutely ask for Gretzky's too

[@dzanier]

Gretzky is one of the few outstanding goal scorers who really didn't have powerful shot. Everything with Wayne was timing and positioning. There has never been another like him.

[@kozmeetorez]

Kind of like how Ali wasn't a power puncher but had just enough to put a guy down.

[@dzanier]

That's a good comparison.

[@evilTaker90V2]

Wayne didn't need a powerful shot. He was so smart and spotted the openings

[@jeremyrhansen6637]

David Huynh So wrong! Use your eyes! Mario and Wayne were SOOOOOO much better than guys like Crosby! Even guys like Mogilny, Bure and Selanne would dominate today's scoring charts!

[@evanbrown2594]

A bit of an exaggeration...The puck protection ability of Crosby alone would be nearly impossible to counter in the 1980s...Crosby was on pace for 66 goals in 2012 before his concussion...Shooting on guys like Mike Vernon..I think he could have got another 30....

[@Michael-fw5ef]

The most impressive thing about Mario is the number of goals he scored after he came back from his health problems - after the age of 35. He was playing games without practising because of his bad bad, yet he still outscored everyone in the league. He was literally twice the player as compared to anyone else, yet he was on his last leg. Imagine how good he really was in the 1980s was he was younger and healthier.

[@JayRay-zv7hd]

I always found it unbelievable how he could be a 70-goal scorer on a last place team. He WAS the Pittsburgh Penguins.

[@Mark_72]

Wayne’s so humble here. I enjoyed seen both of them playing trough their careers.

[@zeusthechosen]

When you realize Mario has 900 game played and 1700 points. Image if he wasn't injured. (Edit) Everyone is getting mad at each other 😅, im just saying it’s sad to see a man like him get his career shortened.

[@irmadisimone2963]

yea his ppg would have plummeted like waynes dropped from 2.6 ppg to 1.92 b/c he played 20 years stop dreaming that mario would maintain his ppg avg in his late 30's father time catches up with evryone

[@dan082476]

except he didn't say anything other than imagine if he wasn't injured. he missed 36% of the possible games that he could have played in. That could mean a lot more points for Super Mario. Considering his career ppg avg is 1.88, it would be reasonable to assume that he would match that. Even if he played another 150 games, which would mean that he would miss about 25% of his game, still more than the avg player, and he kept his per game avg of 1.88, he could have broke 2000pts.

[@hellonicetomeetyou]

Rob Brown - drafted in the 4th round, 67th overall. Bob Errey - drafted in the 1st round, 15th overall. Jari Kurri - drafted in the 4th round, 69th overall. Glenn Anderson - drafted in the 4th round, 69th overall. Gretzky scored 92 goals in his third season with fourth rounders around him. Those 4th rounders on Edmonton weren't hot shot prospects, they just happened to developed from playing with Gretzky. Lemieux came into the league with two 50 goal scorers in the lineup, and meanwhile Gretzky came into the league with a lineup which had nobody that did anything notable prior to the 79-80 season but Gretzky still managed to tie for the league lead in points and win the Hart.

[@55Porter]

What does draft status have to do with anything? By your logic, Ryan Leaf was a great NFL QB because of his draft status. Kurri and Anderson were obviously better players than Brown and Errey. I wouldn't argue someone saying Gretzky is the best of all time, but NO ONE questions that Lemieux is the most physically gifted and dominant hockey player of all time. Paul Coffey (who obviously had played with both) has said the same. All we can do with Lemieux is play the "what if" game. In 92-93 he was finally physically healthy and on pace for a 230 point season, and got cancer of all things. Missed 20+ games and STILL won the scoring title by a healthy margin.

[@kidpoker9408]

then u realized wayne scored 1700 points in 200 fewer games

[@stephaneletirant8954]

I admire a lot Wayne.What a fabulous hockey player and how humble he is when he said that he learned from men like Guy Lafleur, Robinson how to became a winner. Fabulous.

[@mrmcevechkin5222]

Wayne is so humble. Mario was a machine. I used to wonder "what if he was healthier" but then i just learned to appreciate what these 2 amazing talents gave us.

[@shaolin95]

Lemieux AND Gretzky, the Gods of hockey and true gentleman.

[@devilzdandruff9199]

Wayne being modest.. the greatest of all time. From a Sabres fan.

[@wbdrugstrat]

Gretz was awesome to watch play. Mario was a freak. I remember not being impressed with Gretzky's size or speed, but somehow he was able to skate through whole defenses, often taking the put behind the net between defenders trying to take his head off, while also intimidating defenders who knew that if they went too far in, the puck would be in the back of the net. Mario had the size and speed to take anyone head on, and he would often destroy whole defensive lines by himself. He was an absolute monster with amazing touch and timing. Those two were tons of fun to watch, and I am not even a hockey fan, but I would watch when they played.

[@Gordpatmac]

except mario did not play like his size at all. he didnt use it. then came Eric Lindros, the most complete hockey player in history in that couple years of his prime

[@CursedLemon]

It's fair to say that Lemieux is the greatest PER-GAME goal scorer in history. Dude was insane.

[@doublestrokeroll]

Cherry picking. If you're going to say that then Mike Bossy is the best "PER GAME" goal scorer. Followed by Cy Denneny. Yeah...I don't know who he is either. Early 1900's apparently. But both of them have higher goals per game than Mario. Sorry....you can't make that argument. Well...you can, but then you'll have to admit Mario is not the best. Wayne was the best goal scorer in league history. Period. Nobody has more over a season, and nobody has more over a career. That's all that matters.

[@doublestrokeroll]

Uhhh...that's cherry picking.... Do you not understand basic math? www.quanthockey.com/nhl/records/nhl-players-all-time-goals-per-game-leaders.html "Have fun".... lol...

[@doublestrokeroll]

cursedlemon If you can't see how cherry picking fucking 10 year blocks is illogical then it's you who needs help.

[@doublestrokeroll]

cursedlemon So fucking what? I'm not saying Bossy is the greatest goal scorer either dumbass. Judging a career by confining it to 10 years is NOT fucking logical.

[@doublestrokeroll]

cursedlemon nope...you're comprehension is shit. You....66 is the greatest ever because he has the most "PER GAME". Me...by YOUR FUCKED UP logic then it would be Mike Bossy. (this is where you were too stupid to understand my point...I didn't realize I had to fucking dumb it down so much for you) You: _posts some stupid fucking message board based on 10 year average as your proof_ Thus moving the goal posts to suit your argument. CHERRY PICKING. Me: called your dumb ass out on it. Stupid cunt.

[@davidrobins4025]

It was pure fun to watch them play back then - I still have a big smile on my face every time I watch them play on You Tube.

[@codekhalil6437]

Full credit to 99 for acknowledging that Mario was a better goal scorer. It was both correct and humble as a man who's scored bundles can get. But the way he worded it was with such class. That is why Gretz is the greatest.

[@WhDatBoiG]

Not only is he humble, he's telling the truth. When Wayne played, he had players surround him for protection. When Mario played, he was literally solo on the ice and skating freely. He was a better scorer than anyone in the league including Wayne. Mario has scored 5 goals, 5 different ways and wayne NEVER did that

[@Ron-zd1jo]

yeah and wayne had 4 rings and and and and and good lord just appreciate both. They were both legends and changers of the game Orr as well

[@amehta23]

The true test to measure how great Mario was ... 2001 when he came back after almost 3 years away from the game and at a time when the nhl was low scoring this guy gets 3 points in his debut and over 100 points in his first full season back

[@lawrencemcstephens308]

Don't forget his torrid pace in 2002-03, where he racked up 91 points in only 67 games at age 37, and would damn sure have won the Art Ross from Peter Forsberg had he played the remaining games. May have even gotten 120 points.

[@boxcarbandit2098]

Gretsky has the records but prime mario was a force of nature. I grew up in pittsburgh and was lucky enough to see him play many times.

[@jsnagra1able]

Incredibly humble Gretzky saying others were better goal scorers than him. Pure class this guy.

[@IslandboyWes]

In this case it's true though. Gretzky was a better all around player and made everyone around him better. Mario was a wrecking ball that would knock you down, take the puck and score.

[@markbataitis4851]

I had the honor of seeing Wayne play twice, live, while he was still with the Oilers. He scored on a breakaway that was truly amazing. I think both games I attended he had hat tricks. And I love his humility and modesty. Such a humble man, considering he was the greatest the game has ever seen, in my view.

[@quincee3376]

87 Canada Cup Final: Game 1 - Soviet Union 6 Canada 5 in OT . Game 2 - Canada 6 Soviet Union 5 in 2OT . Game 3 - Canada 6 Soviet Union 5 . Gretzky to Lemiuex with the game winner with about 90 seconds left in the 3rd Period and game was tied . Best hockey i've ever seen . Not only was Team Canada stacked but so was the Soviet Union ... Sweden , Czechoslovakia, U.S.A. and Finland were no slouches either. But Gretzky and Mario Lemiuex on the same line was unreal. Beautiful passing .

[@scottlebrun6782]

Gretzky is correct and also a class act for admitting it. It was close but in my opinion Mario could have been the greatest ever had it not been for his poor health.

[@cmahammer]

@Hippy(Bboomer) If goalies butterflied like they did in Mario's era, Wayne doesn't have at least half of the points he accrued. If the 80s was clutch and grab era instead of the 90s, Mario holds every scoring record imaginable. What if's are certainly fun.

[@lastlaff2777]

@@cmahammer That's actually a very good point about the butterflying. All the goalies played stand-up in the 80's.

[@kidpoker9408]

he said because mario passed the puck back to him on a 2 on 1 so he was giving him confidence and saying shoot the puck. Sorry but theres to many if's with mario if 99 didnt get hit by suter if he didnt get traded if he played with jagr if he played on the same line as messier.

[@lastlaff2777]

@@kidpoker9408 There are too many ifs, but it's still a worthwhile conversation to have. It's because there are so many ifs that makes it an important debate. It just proves that there is no clear cut answer, IMO.

[@kidpoker9408]

@@lastlaff2777 how many points does 66 have how many assists does 99 have its pretty clear cut to most

[@breakaway2x]

I love Wayne. He's the best ambassador for the game, there's probably nobody who has a love for the game as much as him, and he's definitely the most gracious, class-act, professional, even humble (for a guy with his accomplishments and stature) star ever. He's definitely the greatest passer in the game's history and his vision and hockey sense is also probably the best ever. But as Wayne admitted, there's no doubt the most dominant scorer was Mario. Mario's size, strength, and reach is what makes him more dominant than Gretzky, and his vision and hockey sense is on par with Gretzky's, but I'll give the nod to Gretzky in those departments. In any case, the two greatest talents ever in hockey, that is undisputed.

[@gregpek6191]

You can't rule out Bobby Orr. And all three of them say Gordie Howe was the best all round player ever.

[@breakaway2x]

@@benstolz6503 Thanks for sharing your opinion. Nicely described. Bobby is a special case for sure considering the fact he only played 10 seasons I believe. That's why I think Mario vs Gretzky debate is tough because Mario only played like 915 games total yet still put 1,723 points and people forget that a large chunk of those 915 games were being played while injured or sick or recovering from long layoffs...it's not like he was 100% healthy all 915 games. So that's why I think if he had played as many games Gretzky at full health, he'd challenge Gretzky's records...all of them except assists. There's no doubt Gretzky was the better playmaker and the greatest playmaker ever, but Mario was a great playmaker himself, too., but a far more dominant goal scorer. I like that you also included Brodeur and Roy / Hasek. Goaltenders don't get enough love. The thing that is hard to believe about Brodeur is how many games he played per season considering how difficult and hard it is on the body for a goaltender to play nearly all the games in a season....Brodeur came close to playing every single game in a season a couple of years. Nowadays we see goalies only playing around 60 games a year. Price only played more than 70 games a season once in his career and he was often regarded as the best goalie. Other best goalies like Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy have never played 70 games in a single season once yet. Even Roy has never played 70 games or more in a season and Hasek has only done it once. Brodeur has done it 12 times! I definitely put Crosby in that list too and he's suffered a lot with injuries in his career and derailed what could have been one of the best statistical careers in history had he been healthy. People forget by the age of 24 he was already a cup champion, olympic gold, and world hockey gold...the trifecta and he wasn't even in his prime yet. That's how good he was until the concussions slowed him down and forced him to change his game (still managed to win 2 more cups) but was clearly a diminished Crosby than what he was about to become.

[@russs7574]

Lemieux was also a freak of nature, but a player his size to be a quick and agile as he was.

[@apkhebert]

Exactly what i was thinking.Walter taught him to be respectful and he is and always was.He is one of the best people IMO to ever come out of Canada.

[@kennyg1358]

rest in peace Walter.

[@darknessfadestolight4312]

Most humble untouchable sports superstar out of all the major sports in history.

[@crazydiamond2771]

love the guy...so career and always humble.

[@spic0li]

RIP The Grateful One Walter Gretzky. Lemieux was for sure a better scorer but everything else was Wayner. The sheer size & maneuverability of Lemieux comes once in a lifetime.

[@rodsimpson518]

Mario Lemieux is the best goal scorer ever. He didn't play enough games to score the most goals ever, but he was the best.

[@rchuhk100]

Such a classy player. What a great role model.

[@kmacksmcdonald6475]

Love the hockey interviews Graham. Mario Lemieux could be a guest one day? He was probably the 2nd best player in NHL history or arguably.

[@wyodrifter5539]

Jesus Wayne is such a good guy. A true Canadian. Humble and greatness

[@Because-qx3wr]

Oh I remember watching that Canada Cup Series. Some of the best hockey I’ve ever seen.

[@Jimmyfly215]

Gretzky has a great habit of complimenting guys like Gordie and Mario. but man, take a back and reflect on your career, one of the greatest sports in general will ever see, let alone Hockey.

[@hugh2hoob668]

Needed protection his whole career and cried like a baby when he lost in 1993 lol

[@hugh2hoob668]

@Stutter of the House yeah cause he was surrounded by the Oilers most his career without them he didnt win another cup they won again without him though

[@daveyboy_]

He had inflated #'s cause he played in a lousy division

[@IAMHERE-777]

@@hugh2hoob668 lmao lame ass hater can tell he did ur franchise dirty

[@timnoseworthy4623]

I hope every guy on the current leafs listens to this and hears what Gretzky is saying. It takes more than skill

[@17donhol]

Came into.game 39.with.45 goals..Proceeded to score FIVE goals against the Flyers to end up.with 50 goals in 39 games UNREAL

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@17donhol Had 41 goals after 37 games. Scored 9 goals in two games.

[@billyjack4131]

Wayne may have been great but Mario was just Magnificent

[@06rtm]

Wayne is so intelligent nd well spoken

[@Fugettaboutit]

Thing about guys like Gretzky, Messier and Bourque is the they weren't just the best players ever, they were the best leaders and team builders.

[@PLamoureux]

So humble. A true champion.

[@francoishoule2670]

Interesting video considering the fact that in 1981 Lafleur told Gretzky to shoot more. We know what happened after that.

[@mastersmmaandfitness7661]

Mario was so superb they had a game name after him - super Mario

[@neilgoldring6494]

#99 & #66 = absolutely unstoppable 💪 you'll never see 2 guys on that level play together again. Oh Canada 🇨🇦 🥰 '87 Canada Cup stats: Gretzky: GP: 9 G: 3 A: 18 Pts: 21 🤯 Lemieux: GP:9 G: 11 A:7 Pts: 18 🤯

[@adamkoehler5747]

Mario is the only player I put in the discussion with the great one. No cancer and no injuries and he’s for sure number two in every category and probably number one in goals

[@russs7574]

.....and Bobby Orr.

[@mezz0075]

Gretzky is appropriately named the "Great One." But Lemieux is the "Greatest One" in my mind. Keep in mind Gretzky had Messier watching his back at all time to help him with all his stats. Lemieux just did the impossible most times on his own.

[@theotherview1716]

Jagr?

[@JohnJJSchmidt]

@@theotherview1716 Ok. Easy response. Let's start naming more. Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, Glenn Anderson. Gretz had them since the START OF HIS CAREER. Not to mention a good puck handling goalie in Grant Fuhr. Mario didn't get Jags until 6 years into the league. He put up 199pts in '89 without Jags or Ron Francis. He got Coffey in '87 and you saw how having a little talent around him, even on D, what it did to his production.

[@malakigaminuniverse]

​@@JohnJJSchmidt BUT DAT FALLS BACK ON THE PITTSBURGH MANAGEMENT INDEED, EDMONTON DID A HELLUVA JOB AND ORCHESTRATING THEIR TEAM AROUND THE GREAT ONE..BUT BOTH ARE MY FAVORITE 2 IN MY TOP 5 INDEED

[@shawnjones1422]

I watched them both and i put my money on Mario, the reason is how he scored those goals. Gretzky had great players, Mario had to carry his team for years to get going but all the time he made it look easy .i respect every player, hardest sport to play in my opinion

[@randyventresca4152]

and, if not for health problems it wouldn't even be close. Mario Lemieux was the best natural talent hockey may ever see.

[@TheWopper78]

Wow. I love Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Both rule.

[@mustangcarpenter]

If Mario was healthy throughout his career.... Mike Bossy is the only player in history to have more goals per game, Mario's stats include his years after returning from injury and cancer. Mario's pre-Hodgkins disease numbers were phenomenal!

[@kidpoker9408]

really add waynes goals for his first 15 years / by 15 do the same for mario and see where their at bossy was #1 because he played 10 seaons.

[@mechanicjobs]

Wayne is just a nice guy. 👍❤️🇨🇦

[@tonygambino5905]

Regarding the 87 goal Gretzky said, "It was me, Lemieux, and Murphy on a 3 on 1. Now Murphy is a great player and all, but there was no way he was getting that puck."

[@EliteSports24]

I don’t even like hockey, and I could listen to Gretzky talk all day long.

[@LoowheezeBreeze]

2:51 I'm sure watching LaFleur smoke in the dressing room between periods really helped take Gretzky's game to the next level...

[@mdletendre]

Mario Lemieux was a smoker until his cancer

[@stevensmith5160]

Yes and he was the best 70s player lol 😂

[@skippy675]

I think Gretzky is my favorite superstar. Humble, such a student and thinker of the game. Mario eventually matured as well. Nice interview

[@fredmar6436]

Mario drafted in '79 by Oilers. Does Wayne's career, same number of games, same teams. Wayne drafted in '84 by Pens, does Marios's career. 915 games. It wouldn't even be close THE OTHER WAY. MARIO would have all the records. Wayne wouldn't be close just like Mario isn't close. I personally think Marios stats would be even more dominating. Love both players though.

[@MrDeceptacon88]

No

[@EAchank]

Dont waste your life on hypotheticals we will never know

[@casecracked8618]

Mario is my favourite player and the idea of who is better between him and Wayne based on potential is a web that is just too tough to spin. Mario’s health is apart of what it takes to be great. Wayne is the man. The beauty of Mario is the mystic of “what if” yet he still developed into, yet always hindered and still produced at an insane level. If Mario never came back to play again after his retirement he would have had the best points per game pace.

[@EAchank]

@@casecracked8618 I have said similar things about Pavel Bure. If ppl didnt injure his knee the clutch n grab the foot in crease rule goalie equipment the red line etc he would have beaten Gretzkys goal record But we will never know and I've learned to not waste too much on these things. But it is a blast to think about and debate a bit

[@mikesmith7326]

Oh right because Ron Francis and jagr were pilons lol. Let's not forget rechi.. rick tochet... Mario had alot of great players around him

[@clarkpitts5393]

Greatness. Love 'em both.

[@1bls]

Imagine the terror for a young goalie when he looks up and sees Gretz and Super Mario on a breakaway two on one.

[@keepcalmandblametheblackgu9164]

thats a real Canadian saskchemwash.

[@brandocalrissian3294]

This is why he is the great one.

[@d00rs71]

In my eyes Mario is the best hockey player ever

[@hugh2hoob668]

@Thou Swell No wayne had a better team he couldn't do what Mario could

[@hugh2hoob668]

@Thou Swell That iconic goal in 1987 doesn't happen without big guy that poke check was amazing

[@hugh2hoob668]

@Thou Swell Gretzky was older Mario hadn't even got started then

[@LOUI-e7h]

I grew watching 80s 90s hockey. Both are legends. Theyre both elite players we will never witness again Mcdavids the closest thing in todays nhl.

[@hugh2hoob668]

@@LOUI-e7h Haha no Crosby and Ovechkin are better than McOverrated

[@peter9962]

Wayne is such a class act…. What a great legacy!!!!

[@kylesyverson4048]

Imagine coaching a team with Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux...😳

[@bethcooper4200]

Amazing how unselfish Wayne and Mario were in the Canada Cup. Wayne obviously knew Mario could not be handled in go to situations and made sure he got the puck.

[@russs7574]

Imagine putting a line out on the ice where Dale Hawerchuck was the 3rd best forward.

[@lightningsmokerXx]

To me, Lemieux is about the only (C, LW, RW ) that you could even argue was as good or better than Gretzky in terms of at least numbers anyway. Or what would have been for numbers had he not been hurt. Mike Bossy at least in the scoring department was right up there his was cut short also.

[@jreiland07]

This is why I put Gretzky/Orr/Howe/Lemieux as the top tier of hockey players but not in any particular order - they’re all great in different ways

[@VodkaSoda]

Gretzky told me I was a better passer than him.

[@jimwade7680]

Narcissus in to many beers...

[@MrPorsche91730]

Lol nice

[@mr.porkchop6377]

Good one. Thx for the laugh

[@jackson5506]

Yeah That’s how the Goat is about and how humble Gretzky was. Hell he doesn’t have to prove anything. Everybody knows wassup. Unlike your... feet... feats.... Narcissuck *roll eyes*

[@kidpoker9408]

@@jimwade7680 Nacrcissus when you calling 66 better than 99 think before you speak

[@CJTranceAddiction]

Just one question: Can you still play as Gretzky in the newer NHL video games??? or any of the other classic players like Hull, Lemieux, Yzerman, Federov, Sakic, etc?

[@cmahammer]

Lemieux could put the puck wherever he wanted better than any player in NHL history.

[@JJ-ub3mw]

As a kid in the 80's I was a Flames fan, and I hated this man with an unnatural fervor, that was beyond rational, I would dream of the ways in which he could be punished/killed/injured, it really was ridiculous, I could not appreciate his greatness, or how wonderful a person he actually was. looking back I shake my head at my younger self, now 99 is one of my favourite players to go back and be nostalgic about, even though he killed my team so many times. Once you grow up it's really hard to hate this man. I see the same thing with Brady in the NFL, almost everyone that isn't a Patriots fan hates him (i'm not, I don't), but how can you, when he carries himself in such a humble way, just like Wayne.

[@Feeldaburn]

Mario is a hockey God

[@Marsd30]

Just like Orr, Gretzky and Lemieux are such humble guys.

[@enwhy7810]

87% of Gretzky’s assists were secondary assists, while 34.6% of his goals were empty netters. He once scored 2 empty netters in one game. When it came to the playoffs, Gretzky rarely scored an even strength goal. In a 9 year span, he only once accounted for over 9.2% or more of his teams playoff even strength goals. When Gretzky got traded in 1988, it was because of his poor play (the previous year he was outplayed by Lemieux, Calgary, and Craig Simpson). The trade of Van Dorp is where Gretzky fell apart at the seams. He was never the same again...

[@wease45]

LOL this is the biggest crock of shit I have ever seen on the internet. Your numbers are insane. That would mean Gretzky had over 300 empty net goals. Also you say the year before he was traded he was outplayed by Lemieux well the year of his trade he won the cup the Conn Smyth. Yes Lemieux won the scoring but Gretzky missed 16 games if that never happened gretzky wins again.

[@kidpoker9408]

34.6 percent are you on crack so wayne scored 309 empty net goals thats how we know wayne is the goat when you make up this shit your gonna knock a guy who broke howes record after 10 seaons at the age of 28 your going to knock a guy who scored 163 points in a season beating mario by 20 points in assists alone a guy who has more assists than anyone has points. gretzky scored 22 career empty net goals my friend what percentage is that seriosuly get the f#$# $ out of here 34.6 percent

[@chasefoster4932]

As much a think lemuiex would’ve been greater then Gretzky you just disrespecting Gretzky man lol

[@seanpoulton2446]

Look I love Lemieux and I personally think he might be the greatest, what your saying about Gretz is not entirely true. Gretzky wasn’t just known for his scoring, it was his expert playmaking and his unparalleled hockey sense. Stats do not measure the total value of a player. Wayne Gretzky was one of a kind

[@enwhy7810]

I don’t even remember typing this. Straight troll mode.

[@bluemoon8498]

Todays hockey suck but back then in the 80s 90s hockey was great.

[@louzermonster7323]

Anyone else think that interviewer looks like a goofy Jonathan Toews?

[@skrillajones66]

Lou Zermonster totally looks like toews

[@claude878878]

not only does it look like Toews. it took me 3 interviews to realize it wasn't him. the resemblance is UNCANNY. i swear I still think it's Toews doing this interview. From the 1st sec i saw him, i told myself.. why is toews interviewing The Great One. i am happy i am not alone here.

[@rdigital854]

Yesssss

[@wackosaco7369]

lol

[@sidelinetim7126]

Had to replay just to see it

[@ETRacing]

Aww, the great one and a humble human being!!!

[@FornoDan]

he said what we all know

[@kidpoker9408]

99 avg 80 goals over a 4 year stretch and achived all the goal milestones faster including 50 in 39 and 50 in 41

[@gymguy25]

@@kidpoker9408 Yes but Gretzky was essentially healthy and had better teammates.

[@kidpoker9408]

@@gymguy25 no gretzky wasnt healthy after 91 and mario had better line mates u dont share the ice with all your team mates

[@kidpoker9408]

goals first 10 seasons 99 66 51 43 55 48 92 54 71 70 87 85 73 45 52 19 62 44 40 69 54 17 99 9 mario 1 wayne goal total . 99 637 goals mario 494 wayne 63.7 per season mario 49.4

[@gymguy25]

@@kidpoker9408 In his first 8 seasons, Gretzky missed a total of 7 games, Lemieux had already missed that many before the end of his first. He (Gretzky) also had 6 teammates who went on the be HOFers (Messier, Kurri, Anderson, Coffey, Fuhr and Lowe). Lemieux had 1 (Coffey). In 88-89, Recchi played 15 games and scored 2 pts, if you want to be generous, I guess you could count him. Yes, Gretzky hit the milestones first but early in their careers, the table was very tilted in his favor. From about 1988 on, Lemieux blew Gretzky out of the water in pts per game when he played.

[@mikenighbor4524]

I just watched a video with every Canadian goal that tournament. A couple things I didn't remember. First- how slick of a skater Ray Bourque was. 2nd- when the winning goal went in, I was to busy cheering. I am a Pittsburgh fan to this day because of it. What I didn't see because maybe it didn't show it on a replay or I was to young to care or understand, the back checker that 100% would have caught Mario if the Canadian defenseman didn't dump him at center ice. The two players that fell off the face-off in Canada's end were at the far blue line when that infarction happened. They were a foot away from lifting Mario's stick when he released the puck. I have never heard anyone ever comment about it or make a joke about "getting away with one there" Different rules, different era but you would have to wonder how the broadcast in the Soviet Union was reporting the events of that non call

[@douseewhatisee2012]

idk if Mario had the team wayne had!!, mind you he did get it let in his career, but in his prime these 2 are neck n neak

[@irmadisimone2963]

ummm no wayne avg 200 points a season over 6 years mario did it once

[@irmadisimone2963]

6 is greater than 1 that is a fact if's are if's and are based on exaggeration that a hockey player could maintain his standard of play later in his career and even if he did he's still 1000 points off of gretz pace to many points to over come

[@shooter1973]

Did Wayne ever have a winger like Jagr? Be honest.

[@cmahammer]

@@shooter1973 Wayne had Kurri (and Coffey on the back end) during his prime. Lemieux had Bob Errey and Robbie Brown.

[@kidpoker9408]

really prime wayne avg 200 over 6 seasons

[@ganeshramnarine1206]

Class player and person Wayne Gretzky.👏

[@cristiandelvillar3121]

Also a better player... but I love how humble and honest the Great One is

[@russs7574]

This is why I love hockey. Gretzky and Mario were absolutely the 2 best players on the face of the Earth when they played. And yet they were both so humble. Can't imagine anybody in today's NFL or NBA being that modest and classy. What was so amazing about Gretzky was that none of his shots...slapper, wrister, backhand....were what you could call "superior." And he put the puck in the net anyway. He was the NHL's version of Cris Carter, of whom Buddy Ryan once said, "All he does is score touchdowns."

[@glennallin9080]

Gretz also said KENT NILSSON was the most skilled playere ever so is everyone gonna take Wayne's words to heart? Gretz is a nice guy of course he will say that

[@111highgh]

glenn allin *player

[@markandersen793]

That's before Lemieux's career was finished, Gretzky now states Lemieux is the most skilled player he has ever played with. I remember when he mentioned Kent Nilsson, Bobby Hull had also praised Nilsson as the hardest shot he had ever seen.

[@lukekellerman3830]

And Gretzky considers Howe the GOAT

[@63caster]

Such a lucid and smart guy.... And, greatest player ever, Gretzky. Most taented by just about every one's admission, Mario....

[@klunny998]

Wayne was the greatest scoring machine in history!with no size or strength!

[@hugh2hoob668]

He was protected thats why lol

[@markandersen793]

He's bigger than Claude Giroux, he wasn't small, he was 72 inches in height, Therion Fleury, Tyler Johnson and Johnny Gaudreau are 3 players that lack size.

[@stephanedion2683]

Such a humble guy

[@davevdm5518]

Le mieux means” the best “in French

[@MMGJ10]

I'm a Pens fan and a huge Lemieux fan, so it's great to hear how humble Gretzky is here, and I believe he's 100% correct that Lemieux was a better goal scorer. I believe he was the best goal scorer that ever played, but the greatest player on NHL history is The Great One. Lemieux "could've" possibly exceeded him, but he just didn't. Over 1100 more points than Lemieux, over 900 more assists, 4 cups to 2 cups as well. I know that's a team thing but still. Twice the playoff points.. etc. Gretzky has to be the most statistically dominating player in any sport. Only Lemieux could've bettered him, but he just didn't. I love Lemieux, but he lacked some maturity at a young age too. If he came up in today's game, with the insane training regiments of drio many players, he could be a force unlike anything.. if he too trained like that.

[@russs7574]

I'm going to guess that I am quite a bit older than you. As great as both Mario and Gretzky were, for me, the GOAT will always be Bobby Orr.

[@itsa-itsagames]

gretz i believe was a slightly better passer, but lemieux could score goals like no one, and with his 6'4? reach, goalies had no chance

[@joenobody571]

Wow what a great video a Legend of the game talking about a legend of the game that's fantastic

[@rmartin7558]

Gretz didn't get to be the all-time assist leader by being a, "Puck hog."

[@gymguy25]

Actually, early in his career, opponents knew he was a great playmaker so they tried to force him to shoot, after he got 92 goals, they tried to force him to pass and he got 163 assists. Regardless of what his opponents did, he always found a way to rack up the points!

[@kidpoker9408]

wayne reached all the major goal scoring milestones in fewer games than mario nuff said

[@That90sShow]

Wayne Gretzky demanded a new salary when he found out Mario made more than him.. Such a humble guy

[@bongobongo985]

Nope

[@That90sShow]

@@bongobongo985 YUP

[@bongobongo985]

@@That90sShow proof? non. 894 goals

[@That90sShow]

@@bongobongo985 Google. Dummy

[@Dza231]

Best way to put it for me is I haven’t seen anything like Mario since he came, and haven’t seen anything like him since he left.

[@doublestrokeroll]

He's always so modest. He was the greatest goal scorer of all time. Period. Numbers are all that matter when it comes to comparisons. Everything else is to subjective.

[@tonybleau3817]

doublestrokeroll lemieux had more goals per game...WAY less good teammates and git double teamed all the time and still scores non stop...Gretzky could just dish it off to other greats when in trouble...lemieux brought a dead last and ready to change cities Pittsburgh team to two cups with jagr who was nowhere near the great player he would become and recchi...lemieux was better

[@doublestrokeroll]

yeah Jagr, stevens francis etc.....all terrible terrible players.... and wayne was NEEEVER double teamed......lol....get the fuck out of here.... Bossy had more goals per game than either of them. Is Bossy the best goal scorer ever? Total numbers are all that matters.

[@tonybleau3817]

doublestrokeroll lol prime lemieux is better hands down...did you just compare both player's supporting cast?!! Holy shit get off Gretzky's nuts lol...jagr wasn't even close to being inn his prime and Stevens and Francis?! I named Kurri, Messier, Coffey and Fuhr and you name those guys...lol

[@tonybleau3817]

doublestrokeroll and a very valid argument could be made that bossy is the best goal scorer ever

[@doublestrokeroll]

Yeah....cause Fuhr was setting up a LOT of 99's points....lol... Seem to remember that 99's REGULAR linemate was dave fucking semenko....yeah....real skill there. Oh and Mario played with Coffey too.......hahaha..... 99 blows mario out of the fucking water. It's not even close. If you think bossy is the best every....well....good for you.....but you'd be wrong. 99....greatest goal scorer ever. Period.

[@danieldagenais7945]

A Great man and Legendary player that 99

[@realphenom]

Lemieux is the best of all time

[@Littleblaza]

I got to see him live in Vancouver that was cool , best player ever period magic hands alright .

[@Anticipat0r]

lemieux was the better player gretzky had the greater career

[@Michael-fw5ef]

The guy with the most goals in NHL history says 'Mario was a better scorer'. Wow! Mario must have been something!

[@herbpetrillo163]

Oi

[@herbpetrillo163]

Mario seemed to create breakaways at will.one game, game 1992 final game vs chicago, he had breakaway after breakaway...hasek in goal had to be an acrobat to keep mario from dropping 4,5 goals on him....

[@ottawasting19]

Who else thinks that Graham kind of annoys everyone he interviews