The wait is over in Edmonton. Sidney Crosby has finally arrived in the Heartland of Hockey. Tomorrow he'll play in the house Gretzky built.
It's inevitable to compare Crosby to the Great One as the superstar prepares to take on the Oilers. After all, Gretzky himself annointed the Cole Harbour, N.S., native as the Next One.
Everyone was expecting a media circus upon Crosby's arrival but there was no such circus. But one similarity with Gretzky that can't be argued is the way Crosby handles the media and the pressure.
And make no mistake about it. There will be pressure on Wednesday.
However, if you want to be the best, you will be judged against the best history has to offer. Crosby may not assault the record book like 99 did. The two are completely different athletes playing in completely different eras.
There may never be another Gretzky. But there may never be another Crosby either. Enjoy it while it lasts.
I don't see where the comparisons really are...they are both superstars before their prime...Gretzky remains the single most dominant professional athlete...his offensive prowess will never be matched, not in today's era...that being said, Crosby is a much more complete hockey player than the Great One was...Crosby is willing to throw his body, play chippy, and is a better skater than Wayne was. They are two completely different players in two completely different eras, which makes it all the more fun to watch highlights of both.
Can we stop calling him the "next one"?
He's no where near the player or person that Gretz was and is.
In all honesty, I've drifted away from hockey because of the media attention he gets.