A meme from SportsCenter sparked debate after it compared Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Macklin Celebrini to Pokémon evolutions. The graphic labeled Crosby as Charizard, McDavid as Charmeleon and Celebrini as Charmander.
“The NHL has been and will be in good hands because of Celebrini, McDavid and Crosby 🔮” Sports Center wrote.
The post quickly gained traction as fans weighed in on the hierarchy. Some agreed with the idea of Crosby as the final evolution, citing his resume and leadership. Others argued McDavid’s current dominance makes him the true top form.
One fan wrote, “McDavid can do what Crosby does but Crosby could never do what McDavid does.”
Another fan countered that the comparison shortchanged McDavid, saying it should be “McDavid as Charizard and Crosby as Charizard X.”
“Leaving MacKinnon out of any conversation is absurd.” A third fan said, mentioning Nathan MacKinnon.
“The league is COOKED for the next 15 years 😭🔥 with these three” A fan wrote.
“Bedard too, should of been there” A fan wrote, mentioning Connor Bedard.
“Three generations of hockey gods on one timeline,” one fan reacted.
The debate reflects how both stars are viewed during these Olympics. McDavid has led the tournament in scoring with nine points through three games. Crosby, meanwhile, became Canada’s all-time Olympic points leader among NHL players, reaching 16 career points.
Celebrini’s inclusion as Charmander also drew praise. The 19-year-old has four goals and two assists and already set a record for most goals by a teenager in the NHL era of Olympic play.
Canada’s Superstars Power Perfect Start
Canada men’s national ice hockey team finished the preliminary round 3-0 and secured the No. 1 overall seed in Milano Cortina. The group outscored opponents 20-3 and earned a bye to the quarterfinals.
McDavid has delivered three straight three-point games and set a new mark for most points by a Canadian in the first three Olympic contests of the NHL era. Crosby added two goals and four assists, while Celebrini thrived alongside McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon on the top lines.
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With the knockout stage underway, Canada now turns its focus to the quarterfinals. The meme may divide fans, but the production on the ice leaves little room for debate.