2007 Preview

Lecavalier plays like ...

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
Published October 4, 2007

(Click on each name to watch highlights of that player) 

 Mark Messier

"He was that total package player. He could do everything. He could skate by you, score and come back and beat you up." - Dave Andreychuk, ex-Lightning wing whose 640 goals rank 11th all-time 

Mario Lemieux

"In the sense of making the special plays you see, some of the things he's capable of doing with the puck remind me of him. And he has the skill level and size and strength and mental toughness and ability to make things happen." - Bill Barber, Lightning director of player personnel and Hall of Fame player for the Flyers

"The way (Vinny) goes to the bench to change lines, Mario used to take his freakin' time. It used to drive me crazy. Vinny does the same thing, and it still drives me crazy." - Phil Esposito, Lightning founder and Hall of Fame player for the Bruins

Frank Mahovlich

"We used to say, 'Don't touch Frank. Leave him alone. Let him sleep.' With Vinny, if you get him mad, watch out. He's tougher when he's angry. I'm not talking about tougher physically, but more intense." - Esposito

Joe Thornton

"They have the size, and they're both solid and strong. Joe's more of a passer. Vinny is more of a shooter, but they both love to compete." - Jarome Iginla, Flames captain

Jean Beliveau/ Stan Mikita

"He has the size and presence of Beliveau and the creativity of Mikita. He amazes me with some of the (stuff) he does." - Bobby "The Chief" Taylor, Lightning television analyst and former Flyers goaltender

[Last modified October 3, 2007, 11:33:33]