Hart Trophy Tournament (1969-00) Round 1: 1992 Mark Messier vs 1995 Eric Lindros

[blundluntman]

MATCHUP #15 (Round 1): Mark Messier (1992) vs Eric Lindros (1995)

Mark Messier (1991-92):
79 Games Played 35 Goals 72 Assists 107 Points | 5th in Points, 6th in Assists, Pearson/Lindsay, 1st AST, 9th in Selke

Eric Lindros (1994-95):
46 Games Played 29 Goals 41 Assists 70 Points | T-1st in Points, 4th in Assists, 6th in Goals, 1st AST

Round 1 Matchups:
69 Esposito vs 99 Jagr Thread
70 Orr vs 72 Orr Thread
71 Orr vs 00 Pronger Thread
73 Clarke vs 82 Gretzky Thread
74 Esposito vs 91 Hull Thread
75 Clarke vs 98 Hasek Thread
76 Clarke vs 90 Messier Thread
77 Lafleur vs 80 Gretzky (Still Active) Thread
78 Lafleur vs 93 Lemieux Thread
79 Trottier vs 94 Fedorov Thread
81 Gretzky vs 87 Gretzky Thread
83 Gretzky vs 86 Gretzky Thread
84 Gretzky vs 85 Gretzky Thread
88 Lemieux vs 89 Gretzky Thread
92 Messier vs 95 Lindros
96 Lemieux vs 97 Hasek

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[Deadly Dogma]

Peak Lindros was just under the goats, too bad injuries kept him from playing at that level.

 

[DitchMarner]

Seems pretty straight forward. Lindros ranked higher in goals, assists and points. What did Messier bring that makes up for the difference in offense? He may have been a bit better defensively, but I don't think that's enough. Lindros beats him in physicality as well.

 

[bobholly39]

Eric Lindros

1995 is an underrated season. It was a very strong one - I really liked Jagr's season tremendously too. Probably ok with Lindros winning the hart, but I'd say it's 1A/1B.

In contrast - Messier had no business winning in 1992. Lemieux should have won. It's just an overrated season. Strong, but not as good as Lindros in 1995.

For what it's worth - I'm not punishing Lindros here for the shortened season. Because if we were to consider 48 games vs 80, it's probably enough to give Messier the edge.

 

[Albatros]

I agree that Messier being the nearly unanimous choice in 1992 is a bit much given Leetch was arguably better in his own team, but I'll still take it over a lockout year.

 

[JackSlater]

Easily Lindros. Solid Hart season while Messier's was quite weak.