I'm not claiming he is BETTER than Wayne, but they were much closer than people realize mostly due to length of career. Imagine a non cancer scenario and I think we talk about them as 1A and 1B without controversy.

Gretzky has 1.921 PPG in his career, Mario has 1.883 (Mario was well ahead before his comeback seasons where he dipped). The biggest difference between the 2 is Gretzky played 500 or so more games which wasn't really related to Mario not being good enough.

Some notable things that Wayne can't claim. (and yes I copied and pasted)


Best goals per game in the regular season and playoffs at .750

Third best goals per game in the regular season at .754 (Gretzky is not 1 or 2)

5 goals in different ways in one game (shorthanded, full strength, powerplay, penalty shot, and empty net) (December 31, 1988, against the New Jersey Devils; only player to accomplish the feat)

Shorthanded goals, season (13 in 1988–89)

Goals, period (4, 26 January 1997, shares record)

Only player to score 30+ power-play goals in two different seasons

One of only two players to score 10 or more short-handed goals in two different seasons. The other is Wayne Gretzky.

Most goals scored or assisted on, season (57.3% of team's goals, 1988–89)

Only player with three 8-point games
Only player with three 8-point games in one season