gb701
Registered User
Behind Enemy Lines said:We all have the benefit of hindsight with Eric Lindros. However Lindros at 18 was an absolute elite player who could do it all - score, hit, fight. His size and strength were beyond anyone in junior and near the top for NHL players.
I first saw Lindros live at the World Juniors in Saskatoon and limited viewing when he dominated physically in Canada Cup play as a 19 year old. He knocked two players out of that tournament with lethal body checks. He showed the skill and ability to play with the world's best .. at 19. Hall of fame potential derailed by injury and likely personality.
I really like Crosby even more since watching him being mauled at the Canadian Junior Summer Camp. He stood up to Phaneuf and several big d-men who tried to dole out a little extra to the 'next one.' Crosby has that special Gretzky-Lemieux vision and passing skills, and an extra gear with his skating ability. He has excelled in all leagues and is a special player but I am still a wee bit curious to see how Sydney adapts to facing off against big league defenders like Stevens, Pronger, and the like.
Given my druthers if I were to choose between these two players as 18 year olds, I would have to go with Lindros.
Well said.
Crosby has tons of potential and may turn into a superstar, but at the same age and stage I liked Eric even more.