Why do so many act like "Gretzky-like numbers" were easy for everyone in the '80s?

[ytsur*]

Wow. Those are certainly closer though than I would have thought. Gretzky was so far ahead of anyone else, it's kind of weird seeing similar numbers even if Gretzky is out producing him.

572 goals in his first 669 games while being a.....

Pass-first center who was simultaneously averaging 120+ assists per season

......so was it actually close at all?

 

[Canadiens1958]

Skill Development

Gretzky was a pass-first center who was simultaneously averaging 120+ assists per season through his first 669 games

......so was it actually close at all?

Normal skill development:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=9678

Shoot first until the skills of teammates and linemates catch-up as well as on ice puck management abilities develop.

Just a question of appreciating the evolution and appreciating all the tools that Gretzky had and used.

 

[Bear of Bad News]

We're done.