Gretzky calls Crosby the “best all-around player in the game”
Mar 10, 2013, 11:13 AM EDT
Getty Images Wayne Gretzky may be on the outside of the NHL for now, but when he gives his opinion on players in the game today people listen.
After seeing Sidney Crosby dazzle against the Maple Leafs leading the Penguins to a shootout victory, The Great One gave Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com his thoughts on Sid the Kid and, as you might expect, they were glowing.
“But in my mind, I don’t think there’s any question Sidney Crosby is the best all-around player in the game. His hockey sense is so strong and so solid, combined with his God-gifted talent of being able to see the ice, see the entire picture in front of him. And, most importantly, I don’t care how good you are, if you don’t have a work ethic, it doesn’t matter. There’s no question that each and every game, he’s one of the hardest-working guys on the ice. In my mind, he’s the best player in the game today.”
It wasn’t so long ago that Gretzky called Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg the best player to come out of Sweden so No. 99 isn’t shy about his opinions. Calling Crosby the best all-around player is a new take though.
Crosby’s not really known for his defensive skills the way guys like Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk, and Ryan Kesler are. Maybe that’s the next trick in the bag for him to master.
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What a difference one goal makes.
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The Bruins won’t give up.
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Vancouver Canucks would appreciate the cap space.
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Michal Handzus scores first, Rich Peverley ties it.
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In case you were worrying about another late scratch.
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Tough timing for free agent Mason Raymond.
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That’s a picture of Mike Komisarek.
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Which could be why they end up swapping coaches.
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The players’ union and Board of Governors will vote near the end of the exhibition campaign.
