Gear up for the Crosby vs. McDavid points race

At last, a level playing field.

After a concussion sidelined Sidney Crosby for the first six games of the season, his assumed successor for the "greatest player in the world" title, Connor McDavid, begun his ascension to the top of the NHL's points race.

Now, just before the calendar turns to 2017, the two are deadlocked at the top.

Here's a look at what they've done so far:

(x) Indicates power-play totals

Before Crosby had played a game, McDavid had jumped out to a nine-point cushion. That's quickly evaporated, largely in part to No. 87's scorching goal production.

Crosby is on pace for 64 goals, easily a career high, and the highest total in the NHL since Alex Ovechkin netted 65 in 2007-08.

McDavid, meanwhile, has been the catalyst for most of Edmonton's offense, but has slowed down a touch. After scoring 19 points in November, McDavid has 11 points in 12 December games.

So, that said, who do you pick?

If both Crosby and McDavid play every remaining game on their respective schedules, at their current paces, the totals favor No. 87.

Crosby's league-leading points-per-game rate (1.35) projects him to score 102 points over 76 games, while McDavid's (1.17) puts him on pace for just under 96 in 82 contests.

Keep in mind, the 90-point threshold has been surpassed only twice in the past three seasons. This season's stretch run is shaping up to be an entertaining one.

With more than half the season still to play, streaks and projections will trend toward both ends of the spectrum. But as long as both Crosby and McDavid - the sport's two biggest names - are healthy and competing, NHL fans are in for a treat.