Great analysis as always. I just think 25 more points is too much to overlook. Or else Barkov would be winning the smythe this year know? Its nice to speculate how the two would be percieved if they were playing at the same time. But the hockey world runs on offense. Which is why the best offensive player is always regarded as the best in the world.
Average Lemieux Art Ross environment:
(88, 89, 92, 93, 96, 97)
EVG: 2.34, PPG: 0.96, SHG: 0.15
Totals from Art Ross years:
423 GP: 387 G, 554 A, 941 P (2.22)
Per 82: 75 G, 107 A, 182 P
Average Howe Art Ross environment:
(51, 52, 53, 54, 57, 63)
EVG: 2.03, PPG: 0.54, SHG: 0.06
Totals from Art Ross years:
420 GP: 254 G, 269 A, 523 P (1.25)
Adjusted to the average Lemieux Art Ross environment:
420 GP: 336 G, 374 A, 710 P (1.69)
Per 82: 66 G, 73 A, 139 P
This widens the gap to 43 per 82. Howe for career and for two way is better but I do still believe the offensive gap is rather massive even with adjustment. I see everyone’s points though.
McDavid’s last 6 year environment:
EVG: 2.34, PPG: 0.61, SHG: 0.09
Totals (18-19 to 23-24):
436 GP: 248 G, 478 A, 726 P (1.67)
Adjusted to average Lemieux Art Ross environment:
436 GP: 290 G, 599 A, 889 P (2.04)
Per 82: 55 G, 113 A, 168 P
In my mind the 29 per 82 gap between Howe and McDavid is also very big. Then again the only player who has a 6 year average or Ross stretch (and when adjusted) that is definitely better than Mario’s offensively is Gretzky so we can’t fault Howe here too much. This does kind of reflect what I believe the gap would be between Lemieux and McDavid in a similar league at their bests though (10-15 points) as someone who watched both.