Why do hockey fans these days have little respect for young NHL superstars these days?

I'm not sure where you get the idea the guys you listed were revered universally as you seem to suggest..Gretzky was hated FAR MORE than Crosby ever will be-he was viewed as a candy-a** whiner who skated around with a "no-touch" policy preceding him.Lemieux was viewed as a narcissist when he refused to put on the Penguins sweater on draft day 1984-and also did his fair share of complaining as a player (and still does as an owner)..The only difference is now ,thanks to the internet, there's the perception that there's more dislike for these (current)guys-because there are more forums to convey it-not just standing around the water cooler at work or over a draught at the local water hole.You can find as much love or hate (for someone)as you want without leaving your couch now.