Although the NHL’s temporary divisional realignment has created some compelling new rivalries, one matchup it has robbed from fans is the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers. Each time these two teams meet, the real showdown is Sidney Crosby vs. Connor McDavid at center — two of the game’s most talented players.
A 10-year difference between draft classes, McDavid’s career thus far has mirrored Crosby’s in every way imaginable. It took McDavid 369 games to reach 500 points — the exact same number as Crosby, who hit that milestone in 2010. Both are generational talents, and only seven former players have reached the 500-point mark quicker — all of whom are Hall of Famers.
Some background
Crosby vs. McDavid began long before the latter even joined the league. Fast forward to 2021, and McDavid has three First All-Star Team appearances, two Art Ross Trophies and one Hart Trophy.
From his coast-to-coast goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs to his hat trick against the Calgary Flames, McDavid has continued to amaze in his sixth season — much like how Crosby did in the early stages of his career. His speed, agility and finesse are something special.
Crosby and McDavid have two elite centers to support them at any given moment in Evgeni Malkin and Leon Draisaitl, respectively. Both players have also dealt with their share of adversity, but it hasn’t stopped them from being two of the world’s greatest.
Crosby vs. McDavid: experience
Granted, Crosby is the far more experienced player. His resume includes three Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies and four First All-Star Team appearances. Crosby also has an edge in international experience, with two Olympic appearances. He cemented his legacy at just 22 with his overtime-winning goal against Team USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics, giving Team Canada the gold medal on home soil.
Crosby won his first Stanley Cup in 2009 before winning back-to-back titles with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017. In just a few years, Crosby took the Penguins from a middling small market franchise to an elite contender.
Crosby’s dynamic, along with Malkin’s, has made the Penguins perennial contenders each season since the late 2000s. Pittsburgh has not missed the postseason since 2006 — a trend that might or might not continue in 2021.
McDavid has made the postseason just twice, coming nowhere near his first cup. While Edmonton is a solid 14-8-0 through 22 games, the biggest question pressing the Oilers right now is the same one that has pressed them since McDavid’s emergence: Is there enough depth around he and Draisaitl to propel the team on a deep run?
Although McDavid is elite, Edmonton has made the postseason just twice since his debut, mainly due to poor management and inconsistencies. Despite Edmonton’s shortcomings, though, McDavid seems like a near lock for the Hockey Hall of Fame after his retirement. Crosby is virtually a shoe-in, even if his career ended today.
Both players continue building enduring legacies, which begs the question: Who will have the superior career?
Crosby vs. McDavid: skillsets
There’s no question Crosby’s provided more intangibles. At 24 years old, McDavid is still young, despite three 100+ point seasons. But given the Oilers’ collective issues, they’ve never had the same chance to compete for a cup like Pittsburgh did in the early stages of Crosby’s career.
Crosby might’ve accomplished a little more in the same span it took McDavid to reach the 500-point plateau, but that shouldn’t lessen McDavid’s accomplishments. On the ice, he is the better pure goal scorer and has a little bit more open-ice skating ability.
McDavid’s speed is unbelievable. He crosses a stellar 25.4 miles per hour, which ranks him as one of the game’s all-time fastest. His extreme quickness and ability to move coast to coast, as seem above, is a rare skillset in today’s NHL. What’s also scary is his age, as he has continued to build upside and grow offensive awareness with each season.
Crosby, however, is the better playmaker. His vision is exceptional, as well as his knack to create no-look passes and generate quality chances. With his leadership and work ethic also comes a strong sense of communication, allowing him to deliver big-time plays and create a winning culture — even 15 years after his debut.
Unlike McDavid, Crosby doesn’t necessarily rely on his speed but rather his athleticism and frame to find quality opportunities. McDavid also has limited postseason experience, so until he gets some more playoff reps, Crosby remains tops at delivering come April and beyond.
Moving forward
Barring injury, Crosby and McDavid will both suit up together for the first time as members of Team Canada in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Crosby has no shortage of international experience, and this would allow McDavid to hone his skills alongside a fellow great. This would be an amazing opportunity for fans to see two talents play at the world’s biggest stage.
McDavid has 40 points through 22 games in 2020-21, whereas Crosby has 16 through 18 games. Crosby might be far past his peak of the early 2010s, but he brings mentorship as Pittsburgh continues getting younger. McDavid is the better player right now, though, and could challenge Crosby’s stats should injuries stay out of the question.
However, until McDavid delivers at a higher stage outside of the regular season, Crosby will have the superior career. Granted, this is all based on current accolades, so who knows what McDavid’s supporting cast will look like in five seasons? It’s tough to exactly pinpoint who will have the better career, knowing their age difference.
Having just played his 1,000th game and with his wealth of experience, Sidney Crosby has firmly cemented his spot these past few seasons in the league’s all-time Top 10. If Connor McDavid finds success beyond himself, he could easily join him in that category.
Let us know who you favor in Crosby vs. McDavid in the comments below!
