Mark Messier like Steve Yzerman was a great leader. In my opinion he was just as good as all the other bests just his stats didn't show it. Mark Messier was an exelent hockey player.

gotta love the moose !!!!!

GAMER!

His last few years have been absolutely terrible. He still scores some, but his defence is now abysmal.

Messier: He was the "engine" that made Gretzky roar! When Messier and Gretzky were no longer a connection, Gretzky's point-net suffered, immensely. Messier proved himself in New York, winning the Stanley cup. Messier could play the "modern era" game, with finese!

Win or lose, Messier never makes excuses, never quits. As a true, great captain he always shoulders the blame, and has also held many Stanley Cups over his shoulders. His communication and people skills are as good as his athletic skills. I was not suprised to hear him described as a magnetic speaker, a great leader and a classy guy. As a Vancouverite I am saddened and ashamed at how our media sometimes treated Mess. What did they expect from a person his age? They should have appreciated the leadership and experience he gave the team, not to mention undying devotion no matter what . So I am proud to say that I am no longer a Canucks fan, but a Rangers fan. Sure, sometimes its hard to see him struggle on a bad night, but then you see the frustration on his face and your heart goes out to him. His emotion, his dedication and his passion are worth the price of admission to me. Mess, I admire you immensley, win or lose!

In my opinion, Messier is the greatest player ever. He was the playoff mvp for the Oilers' first cup. He led Edmonton to a cup when Gretzky left, proving the doubters wrong. Then he led the Rangers to their first cup in 54 years. He scores, he hits, he passes, he plays defence, he does it all.

Messier was obviously a great player, but what sets him apart from many of the other great players is that he is the greatest leader in NHL history and a true winner. Remember, he won 2 Stanley Cups without Gretzky who didn't win any without Messier.

One the best all around players ever and the best leader. As a life-long Rangers fan I have no choice but to give him a 5 for giving me something no else has-- a Cup.