The case for Wayne Gretzky
Gretzky saw passing lanes before they opened and made teammates more dangerous. His scoring records, MVP awards and championships create the clearest statistical case in major North American team sports.
Ice Hockey GOAT
Wayne Gretzky VS Mario Lemieux
Wayne Gretzky
Mario Lemieux
Head-to-Head Stats
Career recordsWayne GretzkyMario Lemieux
45
Stanley Cups
2,8571,723
Career points
894690
Goals
93
Hart Trophies (MVP)
The story behind the debate
About this matchup
Why this debate matters
Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux were the NHL's two most gifted offensive centers of their generation. Gretzky rewrote the record book through vision and anticipation, while Lemieux blended size, hands and scoring efficiency in a career repeatedly interrupted by serious health problems.
The case for Mario Lemieux
Lemieux could overpower defenders or beat them with finesse, producing at an extraordinary rate despite illness and back injuries. He also helped save and rebuild the Pittsburgh Penguins as both superstar and owner.
The deciding question
Gretzky's complete body of work is unmatched, but Lemieux inspires one of sport's great what-if questions. Voters must weigh record-breaking availability against a peak that looked almost limitless when healthy.