MacKinnon has 150 points in his last 82 games

[BKarchitect]

What Mackinnon and Kucherov are doing kind of lessons the "generational" impact of McDavid

Does it? Or is McDavid everything we know him to be and yet there are a few of other guys in their peaks now who are just under that level and all-timers in their own right?

I’m not being obtuse…I am not studied enough in historical comparisons and equivalency to speak to how we will historically look back on these cohorts. And of course…the current crop has a lot to write yet.

 

[tarheelhockey]

Does it? Or is McDavid everything we know him to be and yet there are a few of other guys in their peaks now who are just under that level and all-timers in their own right?

I’m not being obtuse…I am not studied enough in historical comparisons and equivalency to speak to how we will historically look back on these cohorts. And of course…the current crop has a lot to write yet.

I think this is a case where Sakic again serves as a useful example. He was a great player for a very long time, but his peak in 2001 was on another level. Arguably the highest peak of any skater in the Dead Puck Era (I say skater and not player in order to allow for Hasek). But Sakic is not remembered as a generational player, because that insane peak was a step above his ordinary level of play. If he had done that for 5 years straight it would be a very different conversation. Same with MacKinnon, this run would need to look more like 500 games rather than 82 games before we start entertaining him as the equal to a McDavid.

 

[benfranklin]

I think this is a case where Sakic again serves as a useful example. He was a great player for a very long time, but his peak in 2001 was on another level. Arguably the highest peak of any skater in the Dead Puck Era (I say skater and not player in order to allow for Hasek). But Sakic is not remembered as a generational player, because that insane peak was a step above his ordinary level of play. If he had done that for 5 years straight it would be a very different conversation. Same with MacKinnon, this run would need to look more like 500 games rather than 82 games before we start entertaining him as the equal to a McDavid.

Jagr for sure at that time, but yes Sakic as well.

A couple more Harts/lindseys and Mackinnon will be on McDavids level. Two years in a row would be huge for that argument. He already has the Cup.

 

[tarheelhockey]

A couple more Harts/lindseys and Mackinnon will be on McDavids level. Two years in a row would be huge for that argument. He already has the Cup.

Even that really wouldn’t do it.

Their respective Hart histories are listed below, with R signifying the rookie year.

R, 1, 5, 3, 5, 1, 2, 1, 3
R, x, x, x, 2, 6, 2, 3, x, 5, 1

Even if you attach a couple of 1s to the end of that second list, it’s still manifestly not the same tier of performance as the first guy.

Kind of does a disservice to MacKinnon to push the comparison. Better to celebrate who he is than wish he would become something he’s not.

 

[authentic]

Sort of like saying Ovechkin lessened the generational impact of Crosby. Kind of, but not really.

McDavid has been the MVP and face of the NHL since he first stepped onto the ice. If anything the contrast between him and other guys whose peaks come and go is exactly what solidifies him as a generational player.

Also McDavid has shown another level in the playoffs on a couple occasions now, a level that’s only been met/exceeded by 3 or 4 players in NHL history. I don’t even doubt MacKinnon has 150+ points in him but I do sort of doubt he can manage 40+ points in the playoffs and top it off by nearly single-handedly dragging his team back from a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup finals. That was the stuff of best of all-time type performances when the chips are down.