Forsberg. Malkin is faster and more talented but he dissapears from time to time in physical games. No one ever accused Foppa of that.
When has Malkin ever disappeared in a physical game and who has ever accused him of doing such a thing? He's a pretty physical player in his own right, especially for a skilled guy.
Forsberg has a slightly higher PPG, and did it largely in a tougher era. Also, he got recognition in the Selke department. Also, he played more physical. Foppa all the way, but Malkin still has a ton of time to do more.
I don't know... Malkin turns players like Neal and Staal into stars. Forsberg always had legitimate star linemates like Kamensky and Hejduk.
I ronic, I always use Hejduk as an EXAMPLE of a guy who's numbers were much better with Forsberg than without. In on-Forsberg years, he is only a star in reputation.... a reputation he garnered while playing with Forsberg. Kamensky only had a couple of good seasons...also with Forsberg.
I ronic, I always use Hejduk as an EXAMPLE of a guy who's numbers were much better with Forsberg than without. In on-Forsberg years, he is only a star in reputation.... a reputation he garnered while playing with Forsberg. Kamensky only had a couple of good seasons...also with Forsberg.
I really can't tell, but Forsberg has done more so far. Anyway, Forsberg was a far more entertaining player, regardless of what goals Malkin will reach in the future.
Forsberg has a slightly higher PPG, and did it largely in a tougher era. Also, he got recognition in the Selke department. Also, he played more physical. Foppa all the way, but Malkin still has a ton of time to do more.
This is a bit of a myth. The average goals per game in the NHL over Forsberg's career (from 1994-95 until 2006-07, when he played his last "full" season) was 5.58, whereas the goals per game for the duration of Malkin's career (not counting this year, which has been particularly low-scoring) is 5.67. The difference really isn't that great at all.
This is a bit of a myth. The average goals per game in the NHL over Forsberg's career (from 1994-95 until 2006-07, when he played his last "full" season) was 5.58, whereas the goals per game for the duration of Malkin's career (not counting this year, which has been particularly low-scoring) is 5.67. The difference really isn't that great at all.
Half of the point of DPE was also what the defenders were allowed to do. Todays NHL is more talent friendly
This is a bit of a myth. The average goals per game in the NHL over Forsberg's career (from 1994-95 until 2006-07, when he played his last "full" season) was 5.58, whereas the goals per game for the duration of Malkin's career (not counting this year, which has been particularly low-scoring) is 5.67. The difference really isn't that great at all.
But you're looking at his entire career that obviously started before and lasted longer than the Dead Puck Era, which makes his prime from 1998-2004 look less impressive. In Forsberg's prime (the point of the thread), the average goals per game was 5.32 in the regular season and 4.79 in the playoffs. That's a lot different than 5.58 or 5.67, isn't it?
As someone who saw plenty of both, that generalization doesn't apply to me. I'm calling them even at this point, with a very very high chance that Malkin will overtake Foppa in the (near) future. Forsberg was an amazing talent, tremendous playoff performer. I'd say Malkin has not quite reached Forsberg's career value, though he is definitely on pace to do so. If Malkin stays healthy and plays at a high level for the rest of his career, this won't be much of a debate.
But for me, what makes me consider them even at this point is actually goal scoring. Forsberg obviously had the ability to score many more goals than he did, but he never shot the damn puck. He racked up incredible assist numbers, and rarely did people accuse him of overpassing, but you have to wonder why he never surpassed 30 goals. Malkin holds a clear edge in goalscoring, and is always a threat to fire the puck on net.
He racked up incredible assist numbers, and rarely did people accuse him of overpassing, but you have to wonder why he never surpassed 30 goals.
Because if a team is trying to score a goal, it makes more sense to have Hejduk/Kamensky/Lemieux/Drury finish the play than set up Forsberg. It's not rocket science; Forsberg was a better passer and finisher than his linemates, but it's a lot smarter to have him hold the puck and find one of them than the other way around. You'd lose possession if you expected Lemieux to keep in constant motion and thread the needle with a pass to Forsberg, but if you reverse the roles, it's poetry.
Look at Forsberg's Hart Trophy season: Only 10 of his 29 goals were set up by either Hejduk or Tanguay. Most of the people making that final pass to him were the defensemen like Morris or Blake.
Good comparison. I have to say though that I think Forsberg at his best was more fierce/intense than Malkin's been so far. Malkin will probably turn out to have a better career (he arguably already has), but I have not seen Forsberg's sheer hockey willpower in many other hockey players. That is, imo, what makes him truly stand out in comparison to other players.
At the end of the day what seperates these two for me is:
1) Forsberg has longer prime (duh!)
2) Whenever you had Forsberg on the ice you knew you would get 110% from him with Malkin you sometimes get 100% sometimes 50%, Ive never liked these type of mood players.
But when Malkin's on his game, its Malkin easily IMO..
Malkin was the better player, and within 3ish years, he'll already have had a better career likely
This is a bit of a myth. The average goals per game in the NHL over Forsberg's career (from 1994-95 until 2006-07, when he played his last "full" season) was 5.58, whereas the goals per game for the duration of Malkin's career (not counting this year, which has been particularly low-scoring) is 5.67. The difference really isn't that great at all.
he dd not play a ton of games after the DPE. the year span you put swings the numbers - but he was beat up, out of shape, and played sparingly after the strike. his PPG totals were established, mostly in the trap. go to hockey reference and go from 95-96 until now, he has a higher PPG than Malkin, and played more tough years.
to follow up - i have little doubt that malkin will surpass Forsberg's points per game. THEN there will be an argument. as of now, Forsberg was better at the complete game, and the only edge Geno might have is in offense. The numbers don't even support that... yet.
He controlled the pace of the game like no-one i've seen since Lemieux pre-lockout.
(Crosby at times aswell)
Good comparision, similiar playing-styles. Though Malkin is Forsberg light IMO.
Malkin will certainly end up with the better career though.
I wouldn't say they play the same style, their skill set and size is similar but Forsberg plays a much more physical game, how often do you see Malkin crash the net?
