It really depends on what you look at. Lemieux was definitely the most talented goal scorer I ever saw. In fact he would be right up there with Gretzky, Jagr and Howe in points had he not missed so much time to Hodgkin’s disease. My favourite time watching him was on team Canada alongside Gretzky the two together were magical. Imagine the greatest goal scorer playing with the greatest playmaker. Wish they played together more often. Nobody would’ve stopped them.
Flying Tiger he would have surpassed Gretzky in points and goals had he been healthy. If it was just Hodgkins he would have done it. But his back was the big issue. He was better then Gretzky, Howe and definitely Jagr. He had the best points per game. He also played when hockey became a “garbage league”. The refs let anything happen. Just look at the hooking, holding, and interference in these goals alone.
Damn right he was! In fact, the NHL needs to get it together and retire Mario Lemieux's number 66 league-wide already, as he's the only other player in my mind (and I'd assume many others as well) who deserves the honour of getting his number retired league-wide like Gretzky, ESPECIALLY since no one wears that number these days!
Correction....one of the biggest moments in sports history. Can you think of a player that has had a bigger impact on a franchise in any sports history?
My favorite Lemieux moment was the time he came back from cancer treatments and got a standing ovation from Philly fans. They even cheered when he scored!
The year he had his cancer diagnosis and then later returned after treatment he had been on pace for 245 points. He was still leading the scoring race when he came back
He is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime a player and human being. I cannot believe that I've been able to witness this history,I don't think anyone will be ever able to live up to this ever again.
That #6 goal going down on Bourque (one of the best defensemen ever) is incredible. And the 5 goals 5 different ways will never be matched. His life is a movie, its simply amazing! He lived up to the biggest moments on the biggest stages!
Yeah, about #6, I don't really remember this highlight, but I think it could be his best goal. First, the way he tricked Bourque and managed to get control, then, and I've noticed this with some of his other goals, it doesn't look like he fakes much, but he really does, he probably got 4 fakes in before shooting. Goalie had no chance. And 5 goa
The most gifted offensive player to ever play. Gretzky obviously has the records and the stats but he was not as exciting to watch as Mario was. #66 would bring the entire crowd to their feet even in opposing team’s barns. Also he didn’t have an army of goons and refs to protect him, he got hacked, tripped, boarded and slashed more than any player ever and would carry both D men on his ailing back from the blue line in and score every time. And the epitome of class on and off the ice. Long live Le Magnifique!
Noticing in this video how in almost every highlight Mario is being either hooked or hauled down. The defender's sticks are just trying to stop his body, not the puck. It's crazy.
Vadim Ast Projects I agree, he had the highest hockey IQ of all time. Gretzky was so elusive. Mario was more of a dominant force of nature. I just strongly believe that if it weren’t for injuries and cancer that Mario would be right up there where Gretzky’s career numbers are. Coulda woulda shoulda though I suppose
I just had a friend try to argue that lemuix wasn’t anywhere as good as wayne, And that he was, quote “A big orge who just powered through players and used his size to keep the puck, he wasn’t a finesse player” Guys, I don’t even understand if i’m alive anymore, Is this real life? Someone unironically said to me lemuix is not a finesse player. Do I let them live?
As a Canadian, I believe his absolutely clutch/inspirational/pivotal performances in the 1987 Canada Cup and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City top all of these!
This guy looked like he was playing on "Easy" he just plowed through defenses and made goalies rethink their career choices. I grew up watching that guy and I will always consider him the best skill-wise, period. Definitely my #1 overall pick in a fantasy draft involving every player ever at the height of their game.
The greatest of all time without question. His name literally means The Best in French. He never had the protection that Gretzky had and Gretzky never went through what Lemieux did. I was in attendance the night his jersey was retired the first time and after he returned I finally saw him play and score a goal. I'm originally from Pittsburgh and you'll never convince me that anyone was, is, or ever will be better than Mario Lemieux.
My personal favourite moment is when Mario did the fake shot and let the Chris Pronger pass go through his legs to Paul Kariya. His intelligence was off the charts. That whole 2002 Olympics team had some truly great players on it but nobody questioned Mario Lemieux was the leader.
For sure he was the perfect captain for Canada in 2002 I was a youngster when i saw that goal and i was so mind blown at how intelligent a player he was
This is the guy. He would have beaten Gretzky if he didn’t have those health issues almost easily. My dad told me since the schedules were different back then, they would wait years for a Lemieux vs Gretzky matchup. I was super young when he retired but he will always be The Great One to me. I wear a Adidas Pens Jersey #66 Lemieux every Pens game. My dad has a 1992 Lemieux jersey and my mom has an autographed 2000 Jagr jersey.
@@That90sShow Absolutely, between the average wingers mario played with most of his career, and all the health issues, and the abuse he faced on the ice, compared to some of gretzkys elite teammates, all the enforcers protecting him, I believe if not for health he would be the greatest ever. Certainly the most skilled ever.
@@pensfan3499 He still had fantastic team mates for a good portion of his career. Jagr, Francis, Stevens, Recchi, Mullen, then later on guys like Straka and Kovalev.
I have watched A LOT of hockey since about 1990, and even after lymphoma and retiring and coming back in 2005 he was clearly the best player on the ice.
His dekes were so subtle and nuanced that you have to breakdown each movement to even notice them. Surely the defenders at the time didn't either. One of the reasons he is still under rated, still considering all the recognition.
Lemieux had the size of an elite power forward, but the hands of a dangler, a shot of a sniper and the vision of a playmaker. He was the most talented player to ever play the game.
I watched Mario his entire career...and his brilliance is easily seen when the Pens were on the power play. You could see him "setting it up," using his head as much as his hands. He would put that biscuit right on the tape for his teammates to finish...teammates coming from nowhere. What a delight that was!!
Mario, by far the most dominant hockey player that today's generation will never get to see. You could hook him the entire way on a break away. Heck you could have two people do it and he would still score. His vision, his leadership, his sheer f***** will is unrivaled. This was a guy you traded the next 20 year first round picks for. He was truly unstoppable and clutch. He literally made every franchise caliber defenseman seem like a Pee Wee. He could still do all this in today game and do it even better. Imagine the training and knowledge of today and implement them into Mario. He could easily be McDavid, and Crosby combined. It's scary to think about it, but it's reality. If cancer couldn't beat him, nothing can. The greatest athlete of all time is Mario. On top of that he loves Pittsburgh so much that he bought the entire franchise. Not only the greatest on ice performer but, best ownership. Look at how dominant the Penguins are. These are things that only happen in dreams. Mario, however said hold my beer and about to make dreams and the unthinkable happen. #66 the GOAT
How can a guy that big and strong be that fast and quick? Bobby Orr said that Mario Lemieux was the most talented hockey player he ever saw play. I agree.
HUGE 66 fan here. Gretzky may have most of the scoring records and the title of 'greatest career' but Lemieux is by far, very far, actually not even an argument can be made as to whether he was the most talented to ever lace up the skates. By far. But in my opinion, the video missed one of his greatest moments, April 93, MSG, a standing ovation by the Rangers fans after Mario scores his 5th that night. Very rare sight to see Rangers fans cheering any visiting team or player but the presence of pure greatness can simply not be denied.
I got to see him play a few games after he came back from cancer treatment in '93, I've never seen a more dominant player than him in that stretch. When you see McDavid, Crosby, Ovi today they have that aura of dominance about them, but not like Mario did then. He was unreal especially on that run, 51 pts in 16 games. I've never seen anything like it.
@Tom Griffin Never got the accolades? 6 Art Ross trophies, 3 Hart trophies, 4 Ted Lindsay awards, 2 Conn Smythe trophies, Calder trophy, Lester Patrick trophy, Bill Masterton trophy, 2 Stanley Cups, won Olympic gold medal in 2002, won World cup of hockey in 2004 and Canada cup in 1987. Either your trolling hard or need to educate yourself, this man has all the accolades.
@Tom Griffin I agree that Lemieux was better than Gretzky, Gretzky gets talked about way more and considered the best because of all his records and being the guy with the most points by a long shot. Had Lemieux stayed healthy he probably would have had more goals than Gretzky and the point total would have been a lot closer. That's awesome you got to see both of them play back in the day.
Gretzky, Mario and Bobby Orr all sat down and agreed Gordie Howe is the greatest Hockey player ever! So the debate for that is over...you can go on and on about who was better Offensively between Mario and Gretzky....but I think the 1990 Oilers ended that talk.
I didn’t start watching hockey until about 1987 so I didn’t see Gretzky in the early 80s. I was a Ranger fan and young and hated Lemieux (and Jagr). One night my brother and I snuck down from the nose bleed blue seats to the red seats in the Garden. 4 rows back and watched the most dominant yet graceful player I’d ever seen in hockey. The guy was huge; especially looking at him as a 12 year old. He scored 4 goals in that game. That changed my mind on him and to this day, I have to say he was the most talented hockey player I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t get talked about enough or get the recognition of being one of the 2 greatest players ever. Not going to argue with those who say it’s Gretzky, but I’ll always go with Lemieux.
Its amazing i came here after watching ovi highlights. This guy will always be my hero but ovi and lemieux look very similar in their style in my opinion. What a hockey icon! LEGEND!
In a sports town with iconic legends from the baseball diamond to the football field to the ice, Mario has a special place reserved for being the very best and he has to; his name literally translates into THE BEST
We will sadly never know. But I'd say he'd get close but wouldn't surpass him simply on the basis that Gretzky had 4 200+ point seasons and in the TOP10 highest scoring seasons by a player Gretzky's got 8. I know Lemieux has been injured a lot but injuries are part of the game. Taking absolutely nothing away for Lemieux I still think The Great One is still the greatest one. I just wish I lived in an alternative reality where Lemieux stayed fit and healthy so we'd know for a fact.
@@Callhouse Mario was on pace for the biggest single season ever when he got cancer. Back issues meant he couldn't practice or even tie his skates. 93 season was the best ever by far. Dominataed. over 160 points in just over 60 games.
Debatable, but I don't think you could truly argue against Mario being the most dominant player of all time. Constantly hooked, keyed on, chopped and held, but he still made everyone he played against in his prime look terrible. Gretzky was great because his vision and passing elevated everyone around him. Mario just dominated like a highly skilled bull in a china shop.
1 Guy was a beast. 2 didn’t have a McSorly skating 10 ft away at all times to make sure no one touched him. 3 he lifted the puck. 4 was a loyal team player. I could give 66 or 99 reasons why Mario is greater.
@@jeffreykaufmann2867 Yes. Only three players ever reached 100 assists per season mark. Mario Lemieux did it -- once. Bobby Orr did it -- once. Wayne Gretzky did it -- THIRTEEN times.
Lemieux getting a standing ovation from Philly fans when he came back from fighting cancer was a moment for the ages. Say what you will about the Pens/Flyers rivalry, both teams have some of the best fans in the NHL
@@kristophercantu9935 Gretzky hasn't met a player he didn't say was better than him. Gretzky's words need to be taken with a pound of salt. His public humility bordered on sarcasm.
To this day, there has never been a player that has matched Lemieux's pure talent. His skating was flawless/perpetually 'poetic' on the ice, his stride was unmatchable, his stick reach was one of a kind, his goals were a thing of pure beauty, his shot was perfect. To me, Lemieux is the best pure, naturally talented goal-scorer in NHL history. Others have & will score more (ie. Gretzky, Jagr, Ovi) But no one will ever do it as effortlessly, beautifully, and perfectly as Mario did. He made opposing defenders look silly & hung goalies 'out to dry' multiple times per game and basically every time he touched the puck.
I was so fortunate to grow up and still live in Pittsburgh... I remember all those goals like they happened yesterday... But my favorite Mario moment came when I went to game 1 of the Stanley cup finals against the Blackhawks, the Pens were down 4-1 going into the 3rd period and Mario scored the winning goal with 13.5 seconds left in regulation time ... I was yelling so loud and so long I was horse for a week
Actually with all the protection Gretzky had such as Marty McSorley, Charlie Huddy and others too no one would even touch him. Lemieux never had that and he actually didn’t need it as he was also much bigger then Gretzky.
Gretzky -- 61 NHL records. Lemieux -- 5 NHL records. Lemieux did overtake one Gretzky's record: the number of shorthanded goals in a season (13). That's it. One.
At no point Lemieux was better than Gretzky. Everything he did, Gretzky did better, more times, and for longer. In the 90s they played in the same League. Gretzky still managed to score more points. Gretzky was #3 in scoring at the height of the Dead Puck Era.
Mario in 90's 318 games and 656 points, 2.06ppg. Gretzky 670 games and 877 points, 1.37ppg. Mario was much better player in 90's. Gretzky just stayed healthy and didnt kept few years break. Gretzky may be goat but there was long period when Lemieux was better. From late 80's to end of Gretzky's career.
The crack of a wooden bat, the ping of a driver, the sound of a slap shot off the cross-bar, and the sound of a tape to tape pass on a wooden hockey stick. Great audio on that pass.
The fact that Lemieux is considered a close second or third all time despite Gretzky's numbers advantage tells you all you need to know as to who was the better singular talent.
As a capitals fan, I could not stand him but when he came back, I was happy and now a couple decades later, watching him come back for the first time in 3 years in 2000, brought tears, the most respect and I still say if he would of stayed completely healthy and not missed the time that he did & I’m a huge Ovechkin fan big time! Well I still think that Mario would’ve broke Wayne’s goals scoring record & Ovie would be chasing Mario‘s most goals ever scoring record! Just my 2 cents….Mario you were freaking awesome! ❤ And that’s coming from a beyond diehard capitals fan!
Theres was a year Lemieux was on pace for over a hundred goals but got injured or the disease can't remember. He had 48 goals in 38 games. He was on pace for 104 goals. That is cold hard facts right there thats hes better than Gretzky. All his goals was a work of art in slow motion like Tai Chi. He just makes it looks so easy n smooth. N also the only person on paper that could've n would've scored over a hundred goals. Not only the best but also Penguins savoir, a visionary, an outstanding family man, a smart business man, well respected all around, a true legend. Not to take anything from Gretzky which is also every bit Mario is Mario just a bit better. Well, in goal scoring at least but no doubt Gretzky's the best playmaker, second best goal scorer, all.rounded player
That’s only partially true. With Art, there is no way to objectively measure it, other than monetary value, but that is very subjective also With Hockey, there are points. Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky are the only 2 players in NHL history to average above 1.5 points-per-game. Wayne-1.92 ; Mario-1.89 So objectively, they are the 2 greatest players in Hockey history. The had the greatest output in the highest level of hockey
I think our generation was fortunate and blessed to have seen the two greatest players to ever play the game. Super Mario(66), Mario Lemiuex and The Great One (99), Wayne Gretzky.
Tanner Kowalkowski this us like asking id jerry rice is better than mean joe greene Mario was a completely different player than gretzky....mario was infinitely faster and stronger And someone mentioned Gretzky’s cast being better...tgat was because of gretzky Mario LEARNED hiw to play on a team when he pkayed his first canada cup on gretzky’s line Gretzky taught mario that the goal counts the same whether Mario scored or assists...before Gretz, Mario was a puck hog.
@@jimacheson gretzky said in an interview that he wouldn't have been able to put up the points he got without the help of the great players that he always had on his team
@@jimacheson Do you really think that Gretzky's Hall of Fame teammates were as great as they were because of him?! The Oilers won the Cup less than TWO years after he left Edmonton. And you really don't have your facts straight in regards to Wayne telling Mario to pass the puck or that he was a puck hog. He told him to SHOOT the puck if they ever had a 2-on-1 together, and Mario only had more goals than assists in a season once despite playing on some awful teams prior to their tandem.
The Pronger to Kariya goal for Canada in the gold medal game vs the USA in Salt Lake City 02 where Mario fakes receiving the pass/taking the shot fooling Mike Richter and allowing Kariya to bury it in is my favorite Lemieux moment.
The back pain that he had and having hodgkins disease and playing threw the pain and having gone threw chemotherapy surely the toughest and best player to ever play the game he loved it thats what it's all about thxs mario for all you have done
In my humble opinion, Bobby Orr was the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky had the greatest career of all time. But the two years the penguins won the cup, 1991 & 1992, Mario Lemiuex was the greatest player I ever saw! He was simply a man playing amongst boys!
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
People will debate whether or not this is true, but I think he is the greatest of all time.
That is Soooooooooooo true
Yep
It really depends on what you look at. Lemieux was definitely the most talented goal scorer I ever saw. In fact he would be right up there with Gretzky, Jagr and Howe in points had he not missed so much time to Hodgkin’s disease. My favourite time watching him was on team Canada alongside Gretzky the two together were magical. Imagine the greatest goal scorer playing with the greatest playmaker. Wish they played together more often. Nobody would’ve stopped them.
Flying Tiger he would have surpassed Gretzky in points and goals had he been healthy. If it was just Hodgkins he would have done it. But his back was the big issue. He was better then Gretzky, Howe and definitely Jagr. He had the best points per game. He also played when hockey became a “garbage league”. The refs let anything happen. Just look at the hooking, holding, and interference in these goals alone.
Damn right he was! In fact, the NHL needs to get it together and retire Mario Lemieux's number 66 league-wide already, as he's the only other player in my mind (and I'd assume many others as well) who deserves the honour of getting his number retired league-wide like Gretzky, ESPECIALLY since no one wears that number these days!
His biggest moment wasn't, in my opinion not on the ice. Him buying and saving the Pittsburgh Penguins is even amongst the biggest moments in NHL.
And kicking cancer's ass!!
Best Penguin of ALL TIME
(@@fakeplayer9088 ) Best Hockey player of all time
He saved the Penguins, twice. No player has had such an effect on a team as him. Only Steve Yzerman comes close.
Correction....one of the biggest moments in sports history. Can you think of a player that has had a bigger impact on a franchise in any sports history?
My favorite Lemieux moment was the time he came back from cancer treatments and got a standing ovation from Philly fans. They even cheered when he scored!
Toronto fans would boo him cause that's what we do we boo the injured players!!!
Davide85 are you guys really that big of assholes? I never really pay attention to the team or fans
@@thiccboi9607 Nah Islanders fans are especially to players who leave their team lol.
@@lAmCanad1an name a single player besides tavares
I’m a Flyers fan, and that was the first NHL game I ever went to. To this day, Lemieux was the greatest player I’ve seen.
He's a legend. Imagine what he could've done without the injuries?
The injuries and the cancer.
And nhl level teammates in his first 4-5 years!
The year he had his cancer diagnosis and then later returned after treatment he had been on pace for 245 points. He was still leading the scoring race when he came back
How does this only have 229,974 views? I've watched it at least 100,000 times myself.
He was beautiful!
He is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime a player and human being. I cannot believe that I've been able to witness this history,I don't think anyone will be ever able to live up to this ever again.
The sad part is I used to HATE Lemieux as a kid, because he was the only player that could beat my team by himself.
My all-time favorite player! Love from Finland
That #6 goal going down on Bourque (one of the best defensemen ever) is incredible. And the 5 goals 5 different ways will never be matched.
His life is a movie, its simply amazing! He lived up to the biggest moments on the biggest stages!
Yeah, about #6, I don't really remember this highlight, but I think it could be his best goal. First, the way he tricked Bourque and managed to get control, then, and I've noticed this with some of his other goals, it doesn't look like he fakes much, but he really does, he probably got 4 fakes in before shooting. Goalie had no chance.
And 5 goa
True. Very movie-like.
Mario was a super strong guy.
You can tell with his shot, his skating and his ability to overpower players in tight situations.
The most gifted offensive player to ever play. Gretzky obviously has the records and the stats but he was not as exciting to watch as Mario was. #66 would bring the entire crowd to their feet even in opposing team’s barns. Also he didn’t have an army of goons and refs to protect him, he got hacked, tripped, boarded and slashed more than any player ever and would carry both D men on his ailing back from the blue line in and score every time. And the epitome of class on and off the ice. Long live Le Magnifique!
Noticing in this video how in almost every highlight Mario is being either hooked or hauled down. The defender's sticks are just trying to stop his body, not the puck. It's crazy.
Gretzky was more cerebral. You would not notice him the entire game and then he would end up with four assists.
Vadim Ast Projects I agree, he had the highest hockey IQ of all time. Gretzky was so elusive. Mario was more of a dominant force of nature. I just strongly believe that if it weren’t for injuries and cancer that Mario would be right up there where Gretzky’s career numbers are. Coulda woulda shoulda though I suppose
really you never saw gretzky break espo goal record
I just had a friend try to argue that lemuix wasn’t anywhere as good as wayne, And that he was, quote “A big orge who just powered through players and used his size to keep the puck, he wasn’t a finesse player”
Guys, I don’t even understand if i’m alive anymore, Is this real life? Someone unironically said to me lemuix is not a finesse player. Do I let them live?
As a Canadian, I believe his absolutely clutch/inspirational/pivotal performances in the 1987 Canada Cup and the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City top all of these!
Mario “The Best” Lemieux. One of the best centermen in NHL history. Him and Jagr were one of the deadliest duos on NHL history.
The few times Francis made it a trio....it's a wonder Any defense could stop them!
Except for the two guys from the Leafs in the 30's who were suspected of killing 7 prostitutes
rick columbo Never happened
@@killionaire6891 Sure, and the NHL wasn't ran by mobsters either.
rick columbo they owned teams, and definitely had an indimidating presence, but to say the league was ran by them is a stretch.
This guy looked like he was playing on "Easy" he just plowed through defenses and made goalies rethink their career choices. I grew up watching that guy and I will always consider him the best skill-wise, period. Definitely my #1 overall pick in a fantasy draft involving every player ever at the height of their game.
Indeed, his skill was so great it looks like he's not even trying. It was like breathing for him.
The greatest of all time without question. His name literally means The Best in French. He never had the protection that Gretzky had and Gretzky never went through what Lemieux did. I was in attendance the night his jersey was retired the first time and after he returned I finally saw him play and score a goal. I'm originally from Pittsburgh and you'll never convince me that anyone was, is, or ever will be better than Mario Lemieux.
true ... and i am flyers fan.
Rumor has it, to this day Ray bourque still doesn't know where Lemieux is.
🤣
Mario Lemieux amazing hockey player amazing human being
It would be kinda creepy if he knew where he was right now!
After 22 years! Where's Mario?!
HA!
My personal favourite moment is when Mario did the fake shot and let the Chris Pronger pass go through his legs to Paul Kariya. His intelligence was off the charts. That whole 2002 Olympics team had some truly great players on it but nobody questioned Mario Lemieux was the leader.
For sure he was the perfect captain for Canada in 2002
I was a youngster when i saw that goal and i was so mind blown at how intelligent a player he was
Pronger fanned on the pass a bit if I recall. Makes Mario's play even more magical
87 Canada cup.
Gretzky to Lemieux
Game and series winner.
That goal defined a generation.
That’s one of my all time favourites too - I remember it like yesterday.
Ohhhh that was sickk
This is the guy. He would have beaten Gretzky if he didn’t have those health issues almost easily. My dad told me since the schedules were different back then, they would wait years for a Lemieux vs Gretzky matchup. I was super young when he retired but he will always be The Great One to me. I wear a Adidas Pens Jersey #66 Lemieux every Pens game. My dad has a 1992 Lemieux jersey and my mom has an autographed 2000 Jagr jersey.
The sad part for me is I used to HATE Lemieux when I was a kid.
Honestly he probably wouldn't have beat Gretzky as good as he was
@@mr.devil9577 He would've easily beat his single season records. Especially with a decent winger in the 80s
@@That90sShow Absolutely, between the average wingers mario played with most of his career, and all the health issues, and the abuse he faced on the ice, compared to some of gretzkys elite teammates, all the enforcers protecting him, I believe if not for health he would be the greatest ever. Certainly the most skilled ever.
He would not have beaten Gretzky even if he played in all those seasons he missed. That was the DPE.
Greatest player to ever lace up the skates imo. Gretzky was great, but Mario was super. Injuries stopped him from being #1 officially.
And he had less if a supporting cast
Speak
Agree 110%
@@pensfan3499 He still had fantastic team mates for a good portion of his career. Jagr, Francis, Stevens, Recchi, Mullen, then later on guys like Straka and Kovalev.
Gretzky wasnt just great, he broke tons of records, _record after record_
Mario Lemieux is the reason I am a hockey fan I named one of my cats Le Mew "the meow" and Mario 😂😂😂❤
That's awesome. We share the same story, he's my favorite player of all time and I also named our grey tabby Mario. Cheers.
LOL !
My cat is called Mewmew but it has nothing to do with Lemieux , i discovered hockey recently
Lol
My sister in law has the same! And a gray cat she named The Grayone.
Greatest skillset ever in the NHL.
Goat. Can watch these all day. Thanks Sportsnet
Only one goat, Ricky Carmichael
I have watched A LOT of hockey since about 1990, and even after lymphoma and retiring and coming back in 2005 he was clearly the best player on the ice.
His dekes were so subtle and nuanced that you have to breakdown each movement to even notice them. Surely the defenders at the time didn't either.
One of the reasons he is still under rated, still considering all the recognition.
It’s how effortless he made it look that really blows my mind.
Lemieux had the size of an elite power forward, but the hands of a dangler, a shot of a sniper and the vision of a playmaker. He was the most talented player to ever play the game.
I watched Mario his entire career...and his brilliance is easily seen when the Pens were on the power play. You could see him "setting it up," using his head as much as his hands. He would put that biscuit right on the tape for his teammates to finish...teammates coming from nowhere. What a delight that was!!
How can there be three thumbs down for this kind of super talent?
Mario, by far the most dominant hockey player that today's generation will never get to see. You could hook him the entire way on a break away. Heck you could have two people do it and he would still score. His vision, his leadership, his sheer f***** will is unrivaled. This was a guy you traded the next 20 year first round picks for. He was truly unstoppable and clutch. He literally made every franchise caliber defenseman seem like a Pee Wee. He could still do all this in today game and do it even better. Imagine the training and knowledge of today and implement them into Mario. He could easily be McDavid, and Crosby combined. It's scary to think about it, but it's reality. If cancer couldn't beat him, nothing can. The greatest athlete of all time is Mario. On top of that he loves Pittsburgh so much that he bought the entire franchise. Not only the greatest on ice performer but, best ownership. Look at how dominant the Penguins are. These are things that only happen in dreams. Mario, however said hold my beer and about to make dreams and the unthinkable happen. #66 the GOAT
THE BEST AND MOST TALENTED player to ever play the game of hockey. Mario Lemieux.
Most talented -- yes. The best -- between him and Orr. The greatest -- that's Gretzky.
@@vadimastprojects8770 Half of gretzky's assists were counted while he was on the bench, if anything he is merely the okayiest
Best offensive player in hockey history. Pure magic.
How can a guy that big and strong be that fast and quick? Bobby Orr said that Mario Lemieux was the most talented hockey player he ever saw play. I agree.
In most of these clips, he had defencemen hooking and hanging of him all the while making it look easy. That impressed me quite a bit!
Not Bourque
how can you NOT to like him? he's a legend! one of the best ones in game.... in any given time. Hats off for Super Mario!
5:18 Announcer: "They need a big game from Lemiuex" Lemiuex: *scores 5 goals*
Gotta put his 87 Canada Cup goal somewhere on this list.
YA! can't believe that is not in there, winning cup goal.
What a special player. I almost get emotional watching these highlights. One of my favorite athletes of all time
The greatest player of all time period. You forgot his 8 point night vs the Flyers.
HUGE 66 fan here. Gretzky may have most of the scoring records and the title of 'greatest career' but Lemieux is by far, very far, actually not even an argument can be made as to whether he was the most talented to ever lace up the skates. By far. But in my opinion, the video missed one of his greatest moments, April 93, MSG, a standing ovation by the Rangers fans after Mario scores his 5th that night. Very rare sight to see Rangers fans cheering any visiting team or player but the presence of pure greatness can simply not be denied.
For me, the absolute GOAT
I got to see him play a few games after he came back from cancer treatment in '93, I've never seen a more dominant player than him in that stretch. When you see McDavid, Crosby, Ovi today they have that aura of dominance about them, but not like Mario did then. He was unreal especially on that run, 51 pts in 16 games. I've never seen anything like it.
As Marty Brodeur aptly said "He was a man among boys". Says it all.
I have no words to say. Mario is the best of the best. Only SuperMario forever.
chills!! Thanks for posting, never gets old.
Nobody did it better than 66 and it was a real pleasure being able to see him play.
Mario Lemieux was the Michael Jordan of ice hockey.
No. Michael Jordan was the Mario Lemieux of the NBA.
@Tom Griffin Never got the accolades? 6 Art Ross trophies, 3 Hart trophies, 4 Ted Lindsay awards, 2 Conn Smythe trophies, Calder trophy, Lester Patrick trophy, Bill Masterton trophy, 2 Stanley Cups, won Olympic gold medal in 2002, won World cup of hockey in 2004 and Canada cup in 1987. Either your trolling hard or need to educate yourself, this man has all the accolades.
@Tom Griffin I agree that Lemieux was better than Gretzky, Gretzky gets talked about way more and considered the best because of all his records and being the guy with the most points by a long shot. Had Lemieux stayed healthy he probably would have had more goals than Gretzky and the point total would have been a lot closer. That's awesome you got to see both of them play back in the day.
Gretzky, Mario and Bobby Orr all sat down and agreed Gordie Howe is the greatest Hockey player ever! So the debate for that is over...you can go on and on about who was better Offensively between Mario and Gretzky....but I think the 1990 Oilers ended that talk.
No, that would be Gretzky. A lot more parallels there.
what makes mario the greatest is that everything he does seems sooooo easy to do.
Best of all times hats off !!
Best player I ever saw .. ty for sharing the memories
The most artful hockey player who ever lived.
I didn’t start watching hockey until about 1987 so I didn’t see Gretzky in the early 80s. I was a Ranger fan and young and hated Lemieux (and Jagr). One night my brother and I snuck down from the nose bleed blue seats to the red seats in the Garden. 4 rows back and watched the most dominant yet graceful player I’d ever seen in hockey. The guy was huge; especially looking at him as a 12 year old. He scored 4 goals in that game. That changed my mind on him and to this day, I have to say he was the most talented hockey player I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t get talked about enough or get the recognition of being one of the 2 greatest players ever. Not going to argue with those who say it’s Gretzky, but I’ll always go with Lemieux.
Loved when he played the best defenseman in the league like he was a junior.
Its amazing i came here after watching ovi highlights. This guy will always be my hero but ovi and lemieux look very similar in their style in my opinion. What a hockey icon! LEGEND!
The best player to ever touch the ice.
In a sports town with iconic legends from the baseball diamond to the football field to the ice, Mario has a special place reserved for being the very best and he has to; his name literally translates into THE BEST
Those pylon defensemen with the blatant hooks just crack me up.
malman0789 And the brutal stand up style goaltenders.
I ordered a T-Shirt from Pittsburgh of Mario Lemieux and wear it proudly and happy in Germany :) Greetings to all fans
This is great, if not for illness, he would surpass Gretzky
We will sadly never know. But I'd say he'd get close but wouldn't surpass him simply on the basis that Gretzky had 4 200+ point seasons and in the TOP10 highest scoring seasons by a player Gretzky's got 8. I know Lemieux has been injured a lot but injuries are part of the game.
Taking absolutely nothing away for Lemieux I still think The Great One is still the greatest one. I just wish I lived in an alternative reality where Lemieux stayed fit and healthy so we'd know for a fact.
@@Callhouse Mario was on pace for the biggest single season ever when he got cancer. Back issues meant he couldn't practice or even tie his skates. 93 season was the best ever by far. Dominataed. over 160 points in just over 60 games.
Debatable, but I don't think you could truly argue against Mario being the most dominant player of all time. Constantly hooked, keyed on, chopped and held, but he still made everyone he played against in his prime look terrible. Gretzky was great because his vision and passing elevated everyone around him. Mario just dominated like a highly skilled bull in a china shop.
@@gst013 very well put.
We will never know. With Mario it's always "coulda shoulda woulda." With Gretzky, it always was.
I got to see Mario play for most of his career. If that's not being blessed, I don't know what is.
Mario Lemieux was alway the best Hockey player when he was playing for Pittsburgh
As oppose to playing for the Florida panthers?
@@That90sShow hahaha yeah exactly
Other than Canada the only team Lemieux ever played for was the Penguins. You’re thinking of Jagr who played for quite a few teams.
Lol what? He only played for one team
Так играть нельзя-просто фантастика.Марио один на льду.Где все?🤗🇨🇦 Просто Великий и всё😍
2019 and still missing him
1 Guy was a beast. 2 didn’t have a McSorly skating 10 ft away at all times to make sure no one touched him. 3 he lifted the puck. 4 was a loyal team player.
I could give 66 or 99 reasons why Mario is greater.
Forget about Gretzky- THIS GUY is the REAL GOAT! Number 66- Mario LEMIEUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUX!!!!!!
Only one goat, Ricky Carmichael
Gretzky -- 61 NHL records. Lemieux -- 5 NHL records.
@@vadimastprojects8770 plus 50 unofficial records like fastest 50 goals and most 100+ assists season.
@@jeffreykaufmann2867 Yes. Only three players ever reached 100 assists per season mark. Mario Lemieux did it -- once. Bobby Orr did it -- once. Wayne Gretzky did it -- THIRTEEN times.
@@vadimastprojects8770 eight players have scored 70 goals. 100 assists is harder cause only three players did it.
Lemieux getting a standing ovation from Philly fans when he came back from fighting cancer was a moment for the ages. Say what you will about the Pens/Flyers rivalry, both teams have some of the best fans in the NHL
Never has a player meant so much to one franchise
in any sport.
Greatest individual to ever play the game PERIOD.
There has never been a higher hockey IQ. Nor softer hands. Even his quick release laser beam shot might be the best ever seen.
Gretzky's hockey IQ is a few notches above.
(@@vadimastprojects8770 ) No, it really isn't. Ever hear Wayne talk about Mario? You're mistaken.
@@kristophercantu9935 Gretzky hasn't met a player he didn't say was better than him. Gretzky's words need to be taken with a pound of salt. His public humility bordered on sarcasm.
To this day, there has never been a player that has matched Lemieux's pure talent. His skating was flawless/perpetually 'poetic' on the ice, his stride was unmatchable, his stick reach was one of a kind, his goals were a thing of pure beauty, his shot was perfect. To me, Lemieux is the best pure, naturally talented goal-scorer in NHL history. Others have & will score more (ie. Gretzky, Jagr, Ovi) But no one will ever do it as effortlessly, beautifully, and perfectly as Mario did. He made opposing defenders look silly & hung goalies 'out to dry' multiple times per game and basically every time he touched the puck.
Best ever in my opinion
I was so fortunate to grow up and still live in Pittsburgh... I remember all those goals like they happened yesterday... But my favorite Mario moment came when I went to game 1 of the Stanley cup finals against the Blackhawks, the Pens were down 4-1 going into the 3rd period and Mario scored the winning goal with 13.5 seconds left in regulation time ... I was yelling so loud and so long I was horse for a week
75 percent of the highlights are against Boston Lmao
97% of Gretzky goals where slap shots!!!
Davide85 This is true
he used bourque like a turnstile, repeatedly.
The same hi lite over and over
Poor andy moog is in 3 of the highlights
Mario is simply the greatest talent hockey has ever seen!
Can’t dispute the nick name ‘ THE MAGNIFICENT ONE...
His last name translated to English is “The best”, which is 100% accurate.
Notice the massive amounts of slashes hooks and trips while making the goals. The GOAT
The most talented played to ever lace em up
It's crazy how much better the best players are today. The sport has come such a long way.
better than Gretzky; being hooked, slashed, held and he'd still score
Gretzky had the refs support all through the '90s also!!!
Actually with all the protection Gretzky had such as Marty McSorley, Charlie Huddy and others too no one would even touch him. Lemieux never had that and he actually didn’t need it as he was also much bigger then Gretzky.
Gretzky -- 61 NHL records. Lemieux -- 5 NHL records.
Lemieux did overtake one Gretzky's record: the number of shorthanded goals in a season (13). That's it. One.
At no point Lemieux was better than Gretzky. Everything he did, Gretzky did better, more times, and for longer.
In the 90s they played in the same League. Gretzky still managed to score more points. Gretzky was #3 in scoring at the height of the Dead Puck Era.
Mario in 90's 318 games and 656 points, 2.06ppg. Gretzky 670 games and 877 points, 1.37ppg. Mario was much better player in 90's. Gretzky just stayed healthy and didnt kept few years break. Gretzky may be goat but there was long period when Lemieux was better. From late 80's to end of Gretzky's career.
The crack of a wooden bat, the ping of a driver, the sound of a slap shot off the cross-bar, and the sound of a tape to tape pass on a wooden hockey stick.
Great audio on that pass.
The fact that Lemieux is considered a close second or third all time despite Gretzky's numbers advantage tells you all you need to know as to who was the better singular talent.
He's considered #1, guy missed 513 games, a ton in his prime. Nobody will ever top #66
@kristophercantu9935 Gretzky had the better career.....but no one was a singular more dominant player on the ice than Mario.
Nice to see the Legend, more nice live same time...
the goal against the USSR in 87 deserves to be on the list.
didn't have any international clips makes me believe it's a NHL's top 10
@@rvermeulen66 was not specified in the title, so it should be there.
Love how he’s always going top shelf
Talk about a hockey player with some skills
As a capitals fan, I could not stand him but when he came back, I was happy and now a couple decades later, watching him come back for the first time in 3 years in 2000, brought tears, the most respect and I still say if he would of stayed completely healthy and not missed the time that he did & I’m a huge Ovechkin fan big time! Well I still think that Mario would’ve broke Wayne’s goals scoring record & Ovie would be chasing Mario‘s most goals ever scoring record! Just my 2 cents….Mario you were freaking awesome! ❤ And that’s coming from a beyond diehard capitals fan!
Boy he really had a thing for crushing Boston
Theres was a year Lemieux was on pace for over a hundred goals but got injured or the disease can't remember. He had 48 goals in 38 games. He was on pace for 104 goals. That is cold hard facts right there thats hes better than Gretzky. All his goals was a work of art in slow motion like Tai Chi. He just makes it looks so easy n smooth. N also the only person on paper that could've n would've scored over a hundred goals. Not only the best but also Penguins savoir, a visionary, an outstanding family man, a smart business man, well respected all around, a true legend. Not to take anything from Gretzky which is also every bit Mario is Mario just a bit better. Well, in goal scoring at least but no doubt Gretzky's the best playmaker, second best goal scorer, all.rounded player
True GOAT.
Only one goat, Ricky Carmichael
Un grand Québécois.... Vive le Québec Pays !!!
Hockey is an art. Trying to pinpoint the greatest hockey player of all time is like trying to pinpoint the greatest artist of all time
That’s only partially true. With Art, there is no way to objectively measure it, other than monetary value, but that is very subjective also
With Hockey, there are points. Mario Lemieux and Wayne Gretzky are the only 2 players in NHL history to average above 1.5 points-per-game. Wayne-1.92 ; Mario-1.89
So objectively, they are the 2 greatest players in Hockey history. The had the greatest output in the highest level of hockey
I think our generation was fortunate and blessed to have seen the two greatest players to ever play the game. Super Mario(66), Mario Lemiuex and The Great One (99), Wayne Gretzky.
I think he was better than gretzky. If he didn't have health issues and had a better supporting cast he would've had more points
Tanner Kowalkowski this us like asking id jerry rice is better than mean joe greene
Mario was a completely different player than gretzky....mario was infinitely faster and stronger
And someone mentioned Gretzky’s cast being better...tgat was because of gretzky
Mario LEARNED hiw to play on a team when he pkayed his first canada cup on gretzky’s line
Gretzky taught mario that the goal counts the same whether Mario scored or assists...before Gretz, Mario was a puck hog.
@@jimacheson gretzky said in an interview that he wouldn't have been able to put up the points he got without the help of the great players that he always had on his team
@@jimacheson and lemieux would've undoubtedly beat him in points if he was healthy throighout his whole career
@@jimacheson and gretzky was faster but lemieux was by far stronger
@@jimacheson Do you really think that Gretzky's Hall of Fame teammates were as great as they were because of him?! The Oilers won the Cup less than TWO years after he left Edmonton. And you really don't have your facts straight in regards to Wayne telling Mario to pass the puck or that he was a puck hog. He told him to SHOOT the puck if they ever had a 2-on-1 together, and Mario only had more goals than assists in a season once despite playing on some awful teams prior to their tandem.
The Pronger to Kariya goal for Canada in the gold medal game vs the USA in Salt Lake City 02 where Mario fakes receiving the pass/taking the shot fooling Mike Richter and allowing Kariya to bury it in is my favorite Lemieux moment.
The back pain that he had and having hodgkins disease and playing threw the pain and having gone threw chemotherapy surely the toughest and best player to ever play the game he loved it thats what it's all about thxs mario for all you have done
Mario was truly a game changer. The comparisons to Gretzky is unfair to both. How about just appreciate greatness for what it was?
The GOAT!
That would be #99.
Best or not, no one has ever made things look so effortless.
Only player to carry a team (before jagr, Coffey, and Francis) and he came back from cancer to play again
If by "carryinig the team" you mean "missing playoffs"...
In my humble opinion, Bobby Orr was the greatest hockey player of all time, Wayne Gretzky had the greatest career of all time.
But the two years the penguins won the cup, 1991 & 1992, Mario Lemiuex was the greatest player I ever saw! He was simply a man playing amongst boys!
like we said in the 80's-90's : don't let lemieux with the puck more than 1 second, otherwise it's in the back of your net