Mark Messier vs. Sidney Crosby

Attribute	Mark Messier	Sidney Crosby
Position	Center	Center
Teams	Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks	Pittsburgh Penguins
Stanley Cups	6	3
Conn Smythe Trophies	1	2
Hart Trophies	2	2
Art Ross Trophies	1	2

Introduction

Mark Messier and Sidney Crosby are two of the greatest hockey players to ever lace up their skates. Both players have left a lasting impact on the game and have achieved incredible success throughout their careers. In this article, we will compare the attributes of these two legendary players to see how they stack up against each other.

Scoring Ability

Mark Messier was known for his scoring prowess during his time in the NHL. He scored over 600 goals in his career and was a consistent offensive threat for the teams he played for. Messier had a knack for finding the back of the net in clutch situations and was a key contributor to his team's success. On the other hand, Sidney Crosby is also a prolific scorer and has consistently been among the league leaders in goals scored. Crosby's ability to score goals from anywhere on the ice makes him a dangerous offensive weapon.

Playmaking Skills

While both Messier and Crosby are known for their scoring ability, they also excel in setting up their teammates for goals. Messier was a master at creating scoring opportunities for his linemates and was known for his exceptional passing skills. Crosby, on the other hand, is also a gifted playmaker and has a knack for making jaw-dropping passes that lead to goals. Both players have the ability to elevate the play of those around them with their playmaking skills.

Leadership

One of the most notable attributes of Mark Messier is his leadership on and off the ice. Messier was known for his strong work ethic, determination, and ability to inspire his teammates to perform at their best. He was a natural leader who led by example and was respected by his peers. Similarly, Sidney Crosby is also a strong leader who leads by example and sets the tone for his team. Crosby's work ethic and dedication to the game have earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

Defensive Ability

Mark Messier was not only a force to be reckoned with on offense, but he was also a strong defensive player. Messier was known for his physical play and his ability to disrupt the opposition's offensive flow. He was a key player on the penalty kill and was often tasked with shutting down the opposing team's top players. Sidney Crosby, on the other hand, is also a solid defensive player who is responsible in his own end. Crosby's ability to backcheck and break up plays makes him a well-rounded player on both ends of the ice.

Physicality

Mark Messier was known for his physical style of play and was not afraid to throw his weight around on the ice. Messier was a tough player who could deliver bone-crushing hits and was not afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. Sidney Crosby, on the other hand, is not known for his physicality but is still able to hold his own in physical battles. Crosby uses his speed and agility to avoid big hits and is able to protect the puck effectively in tight spaces.

Legacy

Both Mark Messier and Sidney Crosby have left a lasting legacy on the game of hockey. Messier's leadership, scoring ability, and physical play have solidified his place as one of the greatest players in NHL history. Crosby's skill, playmaking ability, and dedication to the game have earned him a place among the all-time greats. Both players have won multiple Stanley Cups and have numerous individual accolades to their names.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mark Messier and Sidney Crosby are two of the greatest hockey players to ever play the game. While they have different playing styles and attributes, both players have achieved incredible success and have left a lasting impact on the sport. Whether it's Messier's leadership and physical play or Crosby's scoring ability and playmaking skills, both players have set the bar high for future generations of hockey players to aspire to.