Penguins' Mario Lemieux to retire... Again

[Wes Mantooth]

Story here...

Lemieux going to retire, after playing only 26 games this year. He might the second or third best hockey player ever.

[niss]

I remember thinking at the time that Lemiuex at his peak was a better player than Gretzky at his peak, but Lemieux had to battle through all sorts of injuries and illnesses that never plagued Gretzky. Wonder if anyone who watched these guys at their best felt the same.

[Wes Mantooth]

I would agreed with this, one can arguee either way but overall think Lemieux may have been a more gifted goal scorer and Gretzky a better passer.

[NoChance]

I had a college roomate back in the day that loved Gretsky. he and I would constantly argue about who was better. I'm not a huge hockey fan but I did enjoy watching Lemieux play. I don't like that he is out there right now. I wish he would have retired sooner. I don't like to see him out there playing like he is now.

[ltb]

As a lifelong Penguins fan, I have to say that it's about time. He's a shell of his former self and it pains me to see him kind of embarrass himself on the ice.

2nd best player of all-time, definitely.

[Peter666]

Yes, Mario Lemieux at his very peak was a better player than Gretzky, but this peak was short lived. He was an unstoppable scorer.

[Bigdaddydvo]

[ QUOTE ]
As a lifelong Penguins fan, I have to say that it's about time. He's a shell of his former self and it pains me to see him kind of embarrass himself on the ice.

2nd best player of all-time, definitely.

[/ QUOTE ]

As a fellow lifetime Pens fan, I mostly agree. If there was a hypothetical world where Super Mario never got injured or had health problems, I'd say he decisively outdistances Gretzky. But because of the back issue/hodgkins/heart murmor etc, he'll usually be remembered as a runner up to Wayne, and possbiby Bobby Orr.

[blinden84]

It's funny how the title of this thread is Penguins' as if it's possesive, because it's Mario's Pengiuns' Mario to retire.

THINK ABOUT IT... man

[prohornblower]

I believe Lemieux has scored more points per game than Gretzky.

I know this was true at one point, years ago. Not sure if it still is, seeing as he's been plagued by injuries. Lemieux also did not have Jarri Kurri and Messier on his line for years.

Lemieux was also a physical presence on the ice. A capable checker, and unable to be pushed around.

Top three players easily Gretzky, Howe, Lemieux, although Im not entirely sure in what order to place them.

Hurry up and sell the Pens to Houston Mario! I want to watch Sidney Crosby here!!!

[The Vibesman]

It's about time. He's got the team up for sale too.

I'd say he's one of the top three or four, with Bobby Orr in the top spot and Lemieux, Gretzky and Howe rounding out the list.