http://www.nhlsnipers.com/wayne-gretzky-talking-about-sidney-crosby/
Some interesting comments on the Kid by Wayne.
While there is some truth in the above statement about the structure of the game limiting imagination in the style of play, cycling comes to mind, the talent of top guys like Malkin and Crosby and AO aren't that much different than Wane and Mario IMO.
The biggest difference is how we view these guys, both Wayne and Mario played in a league that had less talent overall and weaker players on the bottom end than the league has today.
There is no doubt that both Gretzky and Mario were the best players in the NHL during their playing days but it is also easier to dominate and dominate more in a weaker league.
it is entirely possible that Wayne and Mario are 1,2 all time in terms of offensive talent but it is also possible that the gap between them and Guys like Crosby and Malkin (at least talent wise when he wants to play) is closer than some give them credit for because of the difference in the leagues that the players played in at the time they played.