Hockey GOATs
Whether you're a hockey fan or not, you've probably heard some familiar names floating around (Wayne Gretzky, anyone?). That's, after all, how you know that these players have become legends even outside of the hockey world. If you're curious about who's made the list and what their achievements are, read on: here are the five greatest NHL players ever.
1. Wayne Gretzky
The undisputed GOAT (greatest of all time) of hockey has to be Wayne Gretzky. Not only does he have four Stanley Cups under his belt, Gretzky also holds the record for the most points (2,857) and assists (1,963), among many other achievements. Even though his goal record (894) was recently broken by Alex Ovechkin, he'll forever be known to hockey fans as "the Great One."
2. Bobby Orr
If we're talking about the greatest defenseman of all time, many hockey fans would point to Bobby Orr to take that title. Despite having only played 12 seasons in the NHL, Orr holds the record for the most points (139) and assists (102) in a single season by a defenseman.
3. Mario Lemieux
Pittsburgh Penguins fans will immediately recognize the name Mario Lemieux, known lovingly to them as "Super Mario" or "the Magnificent One." Even with his crazy NHL records—two back-to-back Stanley Cups as a player (three additional titles as the owner), six-time Art Ross recipient, three-time Hart Trophy winner, among many more achievements—he held insane stats before even stepping onto the professional stage. In his last junior season playing in the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League), he had a whopping 282 points, breaking the league's record.
4. Gordie Howe
Before Wayne Gretzky strolled in and set the league alight, there was Gordie Howe. Nicknamed "Mr. Hockey," he held the records for the most goals (801), points (1,049), and assists (1,850) in the NHL before Gretzky broke them. If you've ever heard of the "Gordie Howe Hat Trick," where a player scores a goal, assist, and a fight, it's just one way this iconic legend lives on in the hockey world.
5. Sidney Crosby
The only player still active in the NHL on this list is one you might have heard of before: Sidney Crosby. Not only does he have three Stanley Cups under his belt, his success extends outside of the NHL, too, having captained several winning teams, such as the 2005 IIHF World Junior Championships, 2015 IIHF World Championships, and Team Canada in both the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. Did we also mention he won Olympic gold twice?
