thats what im waiting for
there must be something that Gilbert is better than Sakic that can be used for an legit argument
He was a better more fluid skater. Faster too I would say. Sakic had a choppy stride, but was still very quick. Perreault was more effortless when he skated.
That's about it to be honest. Sakic beats him in every category:
Goal scoring: Sakic
Playmaking: Close, but Sakic
Clutch play: Sakic, not fair to Perreault who was good in the playoffs but not other worldly like Sakic
Defense: Sakic
Cups: Sakic 2, Perreault 0
MVP: Sakic 1, Perreault 0
First Team all-stars: Sakic 3, Perreault 0
Second Team all-stars: Sakic 0, Perreault 2
100 point seasons: Sakic 6, Perreault 2
50 goal seasons: Sakic 2, Perreault 0 (44 his highest)
Longevity: Sakic (had a 100 point season at 37)
There isn't an argument for Perreault. Sakic is very close IMO to the Esposito, Clarke, Mikita, Trottier crowd. And depending on who you ask (it would be about 50/50) he's ahead of Yzerman all time. Not a fair shot for Perreault.
If you want to judge Perreault a better poll is one vs. Hawerchuk or Statsny for example.