Theokritos
Global Moderator
- Apr 6, 2010
- 12,542
- 4,948
GOAT is not defined by "how many goals they would score, if they chose to." It's defined by "how many goals they actually scored." (...) So "what you consider" in this case is immaterial.
Actually no, that's not the way it is. There isn't a set definition that is universally accepted. Otherwise we wouldn't have this discussion in the first place.
You can certainly make a case for Esposito, Hull and Ovechkin based on tangible metrics, that is, actual number of goals. But as you often say yourself: there is more to hockey than mere stats. Another approach is to look at the specific abilities and skill sets of the players. Neither approach can be authoritatively be declared right or wrong since the term "greatest" is rather nebulous.