Wayne Gretzky marvels at Sidney Crosby’s 2016 Playoff game, chooses ‘The Next One’ over Connor McDavid

<strong>Wayne Gretzky marvels at Sidney Crosby’s 2016 Playoff game, chooses ‘The Next One’ over Connor McDavid</strong>

Sidney Crosby and Wayne Gretzky [Image Credit: TSN/USA Today's FTW]

NHL legend Wayne Gretzky once commented that Pittsburg Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is one of the league’s best players. Though Crosby has gone on conquering title after title, Gretzky notes his 2016 Stanley Cup Playoff game was one of the best.

During the playoff, Gretzky compared Crosby and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, giving the final nod to ‘The Next One’. He notes, according to ESPN’s Craig Custance, “Sid is still the best player in hockey. That’s a mantle you earn over time. It’s one of those things where you have to earn that title.”

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Recently with the 2023 Winter Classics ongoing, Crosby’s 2008 game against the Buffalo Sabres was being recalled by the fans. The 2-1 victory with Crosby’s game-winning shootout set fire to the arena. Not only that, it’s only been days since the Penguins star received the honor as an officer to the Order of Canada.

Also Read| WATCH: Sidney Crosby’s shootout win against Sabres in 2008 Winter Classic’s goes viral

Wayne Gretzky praises Sidney Crosby as ‘The Next One’

Sidney Crosby [Image Credit: Reuters]
Sidney Crosby [Image Credit: Reuters]

Despite being 35 years old, he is spinning back turns as a youngster. His speed and precision of puck control, goal scoring shots, are no joke. Wayne Gretzky explained his reason for choosing Sid the Kid by stating, “Is Connor a great player? Absolutely. Does Connor have an opportunity to be the next Crosby? Absolutely.” 

“Right now, Sidney deserves to be known as the best player in the game. He’s been the best player consistently in his career. He’s won Stanley Cups and he’s won gold medals. Until somebody takes that mantle away from him, he’s still going to hold the crown.”

The Great One further complimented saying, “I watch him play a lot because I admire the way he plays”. “It’s not a big secret. I think he’s the best player in the game. He just sees the game the right way; he always has. He’s on a different level when he’s playing like he is right now.”

Clearly, the legend of NHL, who led the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup 4 times, and led the playoff with 382 points in 208 games knows when he sees a gem. He clearly stated that by no means McDavid is not on his level, but he is yet to get there. 

He trusts that the younger generation now will lead the League to greater heights. We have already seen Great Eight Alex Ovechkin cross Gordie Howe’s 802 records in NHL. 

As for Crosby, Gretzky has one more thing to say, “What Sid has is a little bit of an extra gear as far as his passing ability, his playmaking ability, the ability to make players around him on his team that much better”. “Guys like Bobby Orr did it, and Mario [Lemieux] did it, and obviously Crosby’s doing it. He’s just making his team better.”

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