Point/Counterpoint
Who is the superior one-two tandem in Pittsburgh?
Issue date: 11/17/09 Section: Sports
POINT:
At first glance, the tandems of Lemieux-Jagr and Crosby-Malkin are quite similar, considering they both consist of an iconic French-Canadian captain whose right-hand man is an elite European point-producing machine.
However, differences between the two combos emerge when you dig a little deeper into the intangible and tangible aspects of the game.
For starters, "Super" Mario is one of the most influential players the league has ever seen. His calm demeanor, effortless on-ice style, remarkable leadership qualities, and ability to flat-out dominate a National Hockey League game are all reasons why he is touted as one of the game's all-time greats. He is, without a doubt, one of the classiest individuals in the hockey world. Crosby, on the other hand, was rated by fellow NHLers in a recent survey as the league's "biggest whiner" - a label that a leader should never have.
As for Jagr, he joined Lemieux in 1990-91 and collected two Stanley Cup rings in his first two seasons as a pro. He also received five Art Ross trophies while in a Penguins uniform - a feat he didn't accomplish with any other team. The Czech star's natural scoring touch and Lemieux's dynamic presence were essential to the Pens remaining highly competitive throughout the decade.
The 1995-96 season's stats truly capture the duo's supremacy, as Lemieux produced a ridiculous 160 points in 70 regular season games while Jagr followed suit with 149 points in 82 games.
That is what I call a legendary one-two punch.
- John Matisz
COUNTERPOINT:
While Lemieux and Jagr were an amazing tandem in Pittsburgh, Crosby and Malkin are shaping up to be just as good. Sure, the Lemieux-Jagr duo put up ridiculous numbers during their eight seasons together, but Sid and Gino have been teammates for only three seasons - they are just getting started.
On the surface, it's tough to argue against Lemieux, as he is simply one of the greatest to have ever played the game. Crosby however, looks as though he is destined to be placed in the same category once his career is said and done. Sure, the nay-sayers label him as a whiner, but that comes with the territory - when you're as good as he is at such a young age, people are automatically going to take their shots. Similar labels were placed on Wayne Gretzky in his early days, and Gretzky himself pointed to Crosby as being the player who he thinks will break his NHL records.
Speaking of records, Crosby has already broken two held by Lemieux, as he notched 63 assists and 102 points in his rookie season. He's also the youngest player in history to have a 100-point season and to win the Art Ross and Lester B. Pearson trophies.
Similary, Malkin won the Art Ross in just his third NHL season; a trophy that has been won by only four Penguins - I'll let you guess which four.
Another important point is that, while Lemieux and Jagr were linemates, Crosby and Malkin generally don't play together, save for the powerplay. If 87 and 71 played together regularly, it's almost scary to think what kind of numbers they'd produce.
- Joe Scaringi
At first glance, the tandems of Lemieux-Jagr and Crosby-Malkin are quite similar, considering they both consist of an iconic French-Canadian captain whose right-hand man is an elite European point-producing machine.
However, differences between the two combos emerge when you dig a little deeper into the intangible and tangible aspects of the game.
For starters, "Super" Mario is one of the most influential players the league has ever seen. His calm demeanor, effortless on-ice style, remarkable leadership qualities, and ability to flat-out dominate a National Hockey League game are all reasons why he is touted as one of the game's all-time greats. He is, without a doubt, one of the classiest individuals in the hockey world. Crosby, on the other hand, was rated by fellow NHLers in a recent survey as the league's "biggest whiner" - a label that a leader should never have.
As for Jagr, he joined Lemieux in 1990-91 and collected two Stanley Cup rings in his first two seasons as a pro. He also received five Art Ross trophies while in a Penguins uniform - a feat he didn't accomplish with any other team. The Czech star's natural scoring touch and Lemieux's dynamic presence were essential to the Pens remaining highly competitive throughout the decade.
The 1995-96 season's stats truly capture the duo's supremacy, as Lemieux produced a ridiculous 160 points in 70 regular season games while Jagr followed suit with 149 points in 82 games.
That is what I call a legendary one-two punch.
- John Matisz
COUNTERPOINT:
While Lemieux and Jagr were an amazing tandem in Pittsburgh, Crosby and Malkin are shaping up to be just as good. Sure, the Lemieux-Jagr duo put up ridiculous numbers during their eight seasons together, but Sid and Gino have been teammates for only three seasons - they are just getting started.
On the surface, it's tough to argue against Lemieux, as he is simply one of the greatest to have ever played the game. Crosby however, looks as though he is destined to be placed in the same category once his career is said and done. Sure, the nay-sayers label him as a whiner, but that comes with the territory - when you're as good as he is at such a young age, people are automatically going to take their shots. Similar labels were placed on Wayne Gretzky in his early days, and Gretzky himself pointed to Crosby as being the player who he thinks will break his NHL records.
Speaking of records, Crosby has already broken two held by Lemieux, as he notched 63 assists and 102 points in his rookie season. He's also the youngest player in history to have a 100-point season and to win the Art Ross and Lester B. Pearson trophies.
Similary, Malkin won the Art Ross in just his third NHL season; a trophy that has been won by only four Penguins - I'll let you guess which four.
Another important point is that, while Lemieux and Jagr were linemates, Crosby and Malkin generally don't play together, save for the powerplay. If 87 and 71 played together regularly, it's almost scary to think what kind of numbers they'd produce.
- Joe Scaringi
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