Gretzky vs. Howe

Attribute	Gretzky	Howe
Birth Year	1961	1928
Position	Center	Right Wing
Teams Played For	Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers	Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers
NHL Debut	1979	1946
NHL Goals	894	801
NHL Assists	1963	1049
NHL Points	2857	1850

Introduction

When it comes to the greatest hockey players of all time, two names that are always in the conversation are Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. Both players left an indelible mark on the sport and set numerous records that may never be broken. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Gretzky and Howe to determine who truly deserves the title of the greatest hockey player of all time.

Scoring Ability

Wayne Gretzky is often referred to as "The Great One" for a reason - his scoring ability was unmatched during his career. Gretzky holds the record for most career goals in NHL history with an astounding 894 goals. He also holds the record for most career points with 2,857. Gretzky's vision on the ice and ability to find the back of the net made him a scoring machine throughout his career.

Gordie Howe, on the other hand, was known for his physical style of play and his ability to score goals in a variety of ways. Howe scored 801 career goals and was known for his powerful shot and his willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice to score goals. While Howe may not have the same scoring records as Gretzky, his ability to score in different ways made him a formidable opponent for any team.

Playmaking Ability

While Gretzky was known for his scoring prowess, he was also an incredible playmaker on the ice. Gretzky holds the record for most career assists with 1,963. His ability to set up his teammates and create scoring opportunities for others was a key part of his success on the ice. Gretzky's hockey IQ and vision on the ice were second to none.

Howe, on the other hand, was known for his physicality and his ability to dominate the game in all areas. While he may not have the same assist numbers as Gretzky, Howe was a complete player who could score goals, make plays, and play a physical game. Howe's versatility on the ice made him a valuable asset to his team and a player that opponents feared.

Leadership

Both Gretzky and Howe were known for their leadership qualities on and off the ice. Gretzky was a natural leader who led by example with his work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a captain for multiple teams during his career and was always willing to put the team's success above his own personal accomplishments.

Howe, on the other hand, was a quiet leader who led by example with his play on the ice. He was a respected figure in the locker room and was known for his toughness and his willingness to do whatever it took to help his team win. Howe's leadership qualities were evident throughout his career and helped him earn the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

Legacy

When it comes to the legacy of Gretzky and Howe, both players have left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey. Gretzky's records and accomplishments have solidified his place as one of the greatest players of all time. His impact on the game can still be felt today, as many of his records may never be broken.

Howe, on the other hand, is often referred to as "Mr. Hockey" for a reason. His longevity in the game and his ability to dominate in multiple eras of hockey have cemented his legacy as one of the all-time greats. Howe's impact on the game can still be seen today, as his style of play and his work ethic continue to inspire players at all levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe were incredible players who left a lasting impact on the sport of hockey. While Gretzky may have the edge in scoring records and playmaking ability, Howe's physicality and leadership qualities cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the debate over who is the greatest hockey player of all time may never be settled, but one thing is for certain - both Gretzky and Howe will always be remembered as two of the greatest to ever lace up a pair of skates.