The Greatest Hockey Players of All Time: Then vs. Now

Mark Messier emerged as one of hockey’s fiercest leaders, first with the Edmonton Oilers dynasty in the 1980s, where he won five Stanley Cups, then later with the New York Rangers. His blend of toughness, scoring ability, and grit made him an indispensable force on every team he joined.

He was remembered for delivering the Rangers their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994, famously guaranteeing victory in Game 6 of the Conference Finals — and delivering a hat trick. That moment became one of hockey’s most iconic leadership displays, cementing Messier’s reputation as “The Captain.”