As Connor McDavid prepares to lead the Edmonton Oilers into his first Stanley Cup Final, the hockey world is buzzing with comparisons to other all-time greats who have reached the
pinnacle of the sport. McDavid's remarkable skill set and leadership draw inevitable parallels to legends like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Sidney Crosby. Let us delve into how McDavid stacks up against these icons at the same stage in their careers.
(Photo: Wayne Gretzky vs Islanders 1983 Stanley Cup/Sports Illustrated)
Wayne Gretzky
Age: 22
Season Stats (1982-83):
Games Played: 80
Goals: 71
Assists: 125
Points: 196
Playoff Stats (1982-83:
Games Played: 16
Goals: 13
Assists: 25
Points: 38
Wayne Gretzky, widely regarded as the greatest hockey player of all time, was in his prime when he led the Edmonton Oilers to their first Stanley Cup Final in 1983. At 22, Gretzky had already amassed staggering numbers and had won the Hart Trophy (MVP) three times. His performance in the playoffs was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a dominant run to the Stanley Cup. The Oilers lost the Stanley Cup that year to the New York Islanders in four games, and on his way past the Isles' dressing room, Gretzky saw how much winning took out of them. He realized how much more work he and the Oilers needed to do in order to be ultimately victorious.
(Photo: Lemieux hoisting Stanley Cup in 1991/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Mario Lemieux
Age: 24
Season Stats (1990-91):
Games Played: 26
Goals: 19
Assists: 25
Points: 44
Playoff Stats (1990-91):
Games Played: 23
Goals: 16
Assists: 28
Points: 44
Mario Lemieux's path to his first Stanley Cup Final was marked by incredible talent and
resilience. Despite battling injuries, Lemieux was a force during the 1990-91 season and
playoffs, leading the Pittsburgh Penguins with unparalleled skill. At 24, his impact on the game was undeniable, showcasing his ability to perform under the most intense pressure.
Lemieux and the Penguins won their first Stanley Cup beating the Minnesota North Stars in six games.
(Photo: Sidney Crosby after Game 6 loss 2008 Stanley Cup/UPI)
Sidney Crosby
Age: 21
Season Stats (2007-08):
Games Played: 53
Goals: 24
Assists: 48
Points: 72
Playoff Stats (2007-08):
Games Played: 20
Goals: 6
Assists: 21
Points: 27
Sidney Crosby entered his first Stanley Cup Final in 2008 as the youngest captain in NHL
history to lead his team to the Finals. At 21, Crosby had already established himself as a
generational talent with a Hart Trophy to his name. His leadership and playmaking abilities were instrumental in the Pittsburgh Penguins deep playoff run, underscoring his status as one of the game's brightest stars. Crosby and the Penguins lost to the Detroit Red Wings in six games.
(Photo: Connor McDavid and NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly/Canadian Press)
Connor McDavid
Age: 27
Season Stats (2023-24):
Games Played: 82
Goals: 64
Assists: 89
Points: 153
Playoff Stats (2023-24):
Games Played: 16
Goals: 10
Assists: 24
Points: 34
Now, as Connor McDavid, at 27, enters his first Stanley Cup Final, the comparisons are
inevitable. McDavid's 2023-24 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, leading the league in points and displaying unmatched speed and skill. His playoff performance has further solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the modern era. Anyone who witnessed the goal he scored in the final game of the West semi-final series against the Dallas Stars saw an incredible snippet of the sheer talent McDavid possesses. McDavid's ability to dominate the game with his vision and athleticism places him in the same conversation as Gretzky, Lemieux, and Crosby.
While each of these legends brought unique qualities to their respective first Stanley Cup Finals, there are striking similarities in their paths. Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, and now McDavid have all shown the ability to elevate their game when it matters most, demonstrating leadership and exceptional skill under pressure. As McDavid seeks to etch his name alongside these icons, hockey fans around the world eagerly await the continuation of his already illustrious career.
Will McDavid's journey culminate in a Stanley Cup victory like those before him? Only time
will tell, but one thing is certain: Connor McDavid has firmly established himself as one of the
game's greats.
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