Sidney Crosby VS Mario Lemieux

The Pittsburgh Penguins is a team that has seen a lot of talented players who later went on to become NHL superstars and later on legends of the game. The most notable player is without a doubt the Great Mario Lemieux. Since his first season in the NHL in 1984 scoring his first goal on his first shot in the NHL a feat which has yet to be tied, to breaking the team record for most points in a season by a rookie. Mario was also the first rookie in the league's history to be named Most Valuable Player.

When the Penguins drafted Sidney Crosby as their first pick, there was a lot of buzz circulating around in the hockey world comparing the great Mario Lemieux with Sidney the kid Crosby. In fact Crosby said that Lemieux was one of his idols growing up and the opportunity to play together was a dream come true. Unfortunately, the pair only played side by side for a short period of time as an irregular heart beat complication forced Lemieux into retirement.

Aside from the idolization and sharing the same locker room, these two players have a lot more in common. Both players in their respective times set the record for the most points by a rookie in the organization's history. Mario originally set the bar during his first season in 1984 by scoring 100 points. It wasn't until 2005, 11 years later, that Sidney Crosby beat the record by merely 2 points to finish the season with 102 points.

Their style on the ice while very similar in some ways, also differ. Mario was a natural leader and excelled as the Pittsburgh Penguins captain. When head coach Michel Therrien named Sidney Crosby captain of the team, the move drew heavy criticism from the press and fans alike. Sidney Crosby has yet to prove himself as a captain and until then he will unfortunately not be in the same league as Lemieux.

While some may think that Mario Lemieux would feel threatened by Sidney Crosby's success, this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact Lemieux has taken Sidney Crosby under his wing and has mentored him since the start. During the regular season with the Penguins, Crosby lives with Lemieux and his family in Pittsburgh.

Will Sidney Crosby someday be referred to as The Great Sidney Crosby and surpass his mentor? His rookie years certainly seem to point in that direction.

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