Better playmaker - Spezza vs Getzlaf

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Who was the better playmaking C? Help settle a debate.

I’ll ask that anyone who can identify that they’re biased refrain from voting

Click to read more...

 

[Nathaniel Skywalker]

Spezza very easily too

 

[GermanSpitfire]

Spezza here. He didn’t have a great shot, or was even a good skater but man was his playmaking something special.

 

[Hockeyholic]

Spezza ainec. Though obviously Getzlaf surpasses him in everything else.

 

[amnesiac]

I dunno why people think its not close

Spezza had a better peak (71A in 68GP), but Getzlaf has 8x 50+A seasons vs Spezza's 4

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

Spezza ainec. Though obviously Getzlaf surpasses him in everything else.

Interesting, I’d argue that Spezza is a far better goal scorer, whereas Getzlaf has approx 85 more assists in approx 75 fewer games. Statistically speaking, the consensus in this thread is the opposite of the reality. I will say I think the statistical difference isn’t representative of the actual difference in playmaking ability, but I’m surprised to see Getz viewed as the better goal scorer

 

[Hockeyholic]

Interesting, I’d argue that Spezza is a far better goal scorer, whereas Getzlaf has approx 85 more assists in approx 75 fewer games. Statistically speaking, the consensus in this thread is the opposite of the reality. I will say I think the statistical difference isn’t representative of the actual difference in playmaking ability, but I’m surprised to see Getz viewed as the better goal scorer

I mean Getzlaf is likely to be a HOFer.

Spezza? Hall of very good.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

I dunno why people think its not close

Spezza had a better peak (71A in 68GP), but Getzlaf has 8x 50+A seasons vs Spezza's 4

I’d be interested to see adjusted #s for their peaks.

 

[The Devilish Buffoon]

I mean Getzlaf is likely to be a HOFer.

Spezza? Hall of very good.

Agreed.... not saying Spezz is better. Just that the one area I do think he is clearly better is goal scoring. Playmaking, not so much... if he’s better it’s marginal.

 

[jetsforever]

Interesting, I’d argue that Spezza is a far better goal scorer, whereas Getzlaf has approx 85 more assists in approx 75 fewer games. Statistically speaking, the consensus in this thread is the opposite of the reality. I will say I think the statistical difference isn’t representative of the actual difference in playmaking ability, but I’m surprised to see Getz viewed as the better goal scorer

Yeah I was thinking the same thing

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Yea, it's Getzlaf.

 

[Paul4587]

Top 10 assist finishes:
Getzlaf:
3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 8

Spezza:
2, 7, 9

Top 10 assist per game finishes:
Getzlaf:
1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 7, 7, 9, 9

Spezza:
2, 6, 6

This is Getzlaf and it’s not remotely close.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Top 10 assist finishes:
Getzlaf:
3, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 8

Spezza:
2, 7, 9

Top 10 assist per game finishes:
Getzlaf:
1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 7, 7, 9, 9

Spezza:
2, 6, 6

This is Getzlaf and it’s not remotely close.

Yea, i'm really not understanding how Spezza is leading this poll.

 

[biturbo19]

I almost think you have to break it down further than that to accurately reflect things. I'd say Spezza has been the far more "creative" and "exciting" playmaker by a pretty substantial margin. Whereas the numbers in this thread demonstrate Getzlaf has been the slightly more productive raw "assist collector".

Spezza is much more what i think of when someone says, "playmaker" though. Particularly at his peak, he truly "created plays". Lots of flash and dazzle in creating scoring opportunities for linemates in unique ways. There was always a superlative level of vision and inventiveness to his game. Getzlaf to me on the other hand, has always been one of those guys who is an "on paper playmaker" more than a "pure playmaker". In the sense of being a very productive player, and not much of a goalscorer...yet mostly just quietly moving the puck to areas where goals are most typically scored, or situations where goals are most typically generated. Comparatively, Getzlaf has always just had a real "efficiency" to what he does passing the puck.

There's a wide chasm for me between the two, when it comes to creating those memorable plays, or ones that pull you out of your seat with amazement. But whether you think that kind of thing is relevant or whether it's just a pure question of, "who had more assists" and the ruthless efficiency of making those simple passes that lead to goals, kinda changes how one might answer this question.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Spezza here. He didn’t have a great shot, or was even a good skater but man was his playmaking something special.

Spezza actually has a pretty decent shot.

 

[ESH]

Spezza here. He didn’t have a great shot, or was even a good skater but man was his playmaking something special.

Spezza ainec. Though obviously Getzlaf surpasses him in everything else.

man what

Spezza had a great shot and was a pretty good skater in his prime.

I’d say Getzlaf was clearly a better playmaker and obviously tougher, but Spezza was more skilled and a better scorer.

 

[Not Jared Cowen]

I’ve always felt Getzlaf’s playmaking reputation has suffered due to his power forward style and the presumption that PFs are more goalscorer than playmaker. He was a better playmaker over his career than Spezza, even if Spezza did peak higher during the Pizza line years.

 

[I Hate Blake Coleman]

Getzlaf AINEC

 

[Fataldogg]

I mean Getzlaf is likely to be a HOFer.

Spezza? Hall of very good.

I'll be surprised if Getzlaf gets in. I put them both in the Hall of Very Good players.

 

[Plural]

I dunno why people think its not close

Spezza had a better peak (71A in 68GP), but Getzlaf has 8x 50+A seasons vs Spezza's 4

Yup, for me it's Getzy

 

[Paul4587]

I'll be surprised if Getzlaf gets in. I put them both in the Hall of Very Good players.

Getzlaf is getting in. Probably not first ballot but he will get there.

 

[Mobiandi]

Thought this poll would be pretty lopsided for Getzlaf

 

[ItWasJustified]

Yea, i'm really not understanding how Spezza is leading this poll.

Laffs fans.

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

It’s close but Getzlaf for me

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

This is definitely Getzlaf.