Forget the stats, the era, the goaltending....all of it.
Fact is, no one will ever convince me that he isn't the single smartest/skilled combination of a player the game has ever seen...period. I was around and was an adamant hockey/Flames fan for his entire career starting in 79 when he was traded to the Oilers. I was a hard core and avowed hater of all things Edmonton at that time, and even with all that it isnt even begrudgingly that I admit no one has been better....and i dont think its even close.
Mario was the next best because of his combination of size/strength and talent along with Howe because of his toughness/skill/strength combo.
Crosby is a distant 4th to me at best. Orr would actually slot in ahead of Sid as well but because he is a D (and his premature exit from the game) I leave the debate among forwards.
To steal from the Hitman himself...the best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be.
Ugh.
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