How Good Was PRIME Mario Lemieux Actually?

In 1992, at just 26 years old, Mario Lemieux became the NHL’s second fastest player to reach 1,000 career points, only behind the renowned Wayne Gretzky. What’s equally impressive is that Lemieux retired over a decade later with a career total of 1,723 points. He earned his first 1,000 points in just eight years, and though his total career points puts him in 8th place overall, the fury with which Lemieux entered the NHL set him on the track for becoming arguably the best hockey player the League has ever seen.
From setback to comeback, “Super Mario” would carve a name for himself in the Hockey Hall of Fame and prove to be a truly other-worldly athlete, only bested by Gretzky himself for career average points per game. But points are just one metric by which a player’s skill and value can be measured. So what made Mario Lemieux “The Magnificent One,” and how good was he at his prime?

[@ageagile1047]

Let’s not forget he’s the only player in the top 10 all time points leaders that played less than 1,000 games too. Beast.

[@hanslilja3873]

EXACTLY but al this People how is saying that mario lemieux not is The best player in The history probobly they have some big big problems to count when they are looking them blind of The others points just look at goals imagine IF mario lemieux could have been playing as many games that gretzky was playing and he could have been healty atlest halv of his karriär then he would have been scoring over 1000 goals there is no question about that absolutly NON MARIO LEMIEUX IS THE GREATEST ISHOCKEY PLAYER IN THE HISTORY END OF THE STORY

[@pattaccone5347]

When you look at that list That number of games played just sticks out like a sore thumb 😂 He was just so much better than everybody at the time Including 99

[@chrisgeorge84]

@@hanslilja3873he averaged 1.88 points per game. Gretzky averaged 1.92

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@MoneyHoneyBunny]

True, he's the same as Mike Bossy as far as goals go. Given the same health and number of games as Gretzky, and playing in the same era, there's absolutely several players who would have competed for all of hockeys records. The main players who stand out for me in that regard are Lemeiux, Orr, Jagr for points and Brett Hull, Bossy, and Ovechkin for goals. And Gretzky is a modest + honest man, I've heard him speak on this, that in his words, 'he played in the right era' specifically when speaking of Ovechkin and the all time goals record. Jagr Lemeiux and Orr to me clearly would have had career point totals very very deep into the 2000s if all this was true. Imagine Bobby Orr playing through the late 70s with Brad Park healthy, through much of the 1980s alongside Ray Bourque,,,, Boston would certainly have more championships you'd assume. Imagine Jagr and Lemeiux being together from day one, again, it's hard to argue they wouldnt each be very close to Wayne,,, who played with literal hockey gods in Coffey and Messier during his best years as well as many years with Kurri, Anderson, and Tikkanen. Mario seriously may have reached 3000 points, and be the one called the best ever! I'd also argue that if you put Ovi Hull and Bossy in the same era with the same amount of games played, they'd each have around 1000 career goals, as they're more pure goal scorers. Mind you, Wayne is my childhood hero and my favorite player ever but, I'm being unbiased and objective here. He's the great one but, these what ifs, we'll just never know.

[@n.w7333]

When I was a kid growing up in Winnipeg, Mario in his prime visited for a road game. My dad was employed at the rink and I had the chance to sit and watch Mario practice. For whatever reason he was alone on the ice working on a few shots. He saw me sitting there watching, also alone in the stands. He ripped a hard shot on the glass that startled me and he gave a sarcastic startled reaction himself and smiled. Then he flipped a puck over the glass for me to keep. It was a good memory

[@ralphboyle]

Do you still have the puck?

[@n.w7333]

@@ralphboyle No :(

[@stevenweint7893]

@@n.w7333 Noooooooooooooo! ☹😔

[@dmzabo3914]

Honestly I believe you. Because I worked at Pittsburgh Civic Arena during the days (early 1990's) stocking up the concession stands and I too got to meet Mario a few times. I sat in his car. He asked his favorite security guard to move his car. He (guard) said come on. And then said don't touch nothing in the car and I sat in the car and was mind blown I was in Mario's car legally. lol. On my family grave this happened. Also have a few more interactions that would take too long to put down here. Honest to goodness I speak truthfully here.

[@stevenweint7893]

@@dmzabo3914 Cool!! Mario is Awesome!! 😃😃

[@resabape]

In his prime, he gets my vote as the most dominant forward to have played the game.

[@timmckennie4276]

Forward?

[@badmanskill1112]

Definitely. I think he's the best player ever. Even better than Gretzky as Gretzky played with an all start team in Edmonton.

[@jogendron6320]

Orr was something else too...

[@user-oc8sr3ml9m]

Centers and wings are all forwards.​@@timmckennie4276

[@penishuge8205]

@@badmanskill1112 Gretzky made his team mates better lol. Kurri and Coffey and Tikkanen went from high powered scorers with Gretz to average after he left. This isn't even up for debate. Gretzky has more assists than every other hockey player has points lol.

[@noelsemzelensky9322]

The most talented player ever. Speed, strength, skating, accuracy, skills, passing, scoring, puck handling, shooting, timing, IQ, vision. He had everything. It's a shame he missed all those games in his prime. We never truly saw his absolute peak because of cancer and injuries, but we saw enough to say he's one of the GOAT's. He is literally the Pittsburgh Penguins

[@TheHockeyVault]

The Biggest What If

[@hanslilja3873]

Mario lemieux was an Alien how was sent to our planet to showe al The People in The world how to play The sport that they called ISHOCKEY HE IS THE GREATEST ISHOCKEY PLAYER IN THE HISTORY THERE IS ABSOLUTLY NO QUESTION AT AL ABOUT THAT

[@quebecforce111]

@noelsemzelensky9322 and Mario play for a bad Penguins team when he start his NHL career. he was the only good player in this team maybe is 5 first years. Gretzky play all is career for good teams

[@noelsemzelensky9322]

@@quebecforce111 true. Wayne played with Coffey, Kurri and Messier

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@jollygreen68]

Lemieux, when healthy, was THE GREATEST player to ever lace up the skates. It's not even close. Someone below said it best, he not only has some of the most insane stats for how few games he played, but he is literally THE BEST in so many attributes. No player has ever had so many skills, and all of them close to the best or the best of all time. Speed, strength, balance, incredible skating ability, shot (accuracy, power, quickness, deceptiveness), passing, break away, power play, hockey IQ, vision, you could go on and on. He's like the perfect human hockey player ever. And he had such a smooth effortless ability to do all of this that almost no other players have. It's a crazy tiny list of how many people are this skilled, and then on top of that, make it look like nothing. Like he's just messing around. And to top it all off, dude was one of the classiest players and people ever. So soft spoken, such a gentlemen. Not sure there will ever be another player as Great as Mario. I miss him SO much

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

not even close come on what about Orr

[@MisterMonsterMan]

Most dominant offensive force in NHL history. Dude was a beast.

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@pascaljutras178]

it is very hard to really do good comparison, stats are not the only way to get the real thing, you have to see what is really happening on the ice. How good is your team and mainly your trio has a major impact on points, also the team strategy. I saw both players play and it is very hard to say who is the best, in my opinion Gretzky was way better to create play, he was also a great scorer but was not as good as Lemieux in my opinion, his bigger numbers comes from the quality of his team and as I said before also from team strategy. Lemieux was a beast, one against one he was way better than Gretzky, got better hands also. Mario was not pushing to the max as much as Gretzky, his body was damaged a lot, I just cannot imagine how much more Lemieux could have give with a perfect healthy body ?

[@peterhazelton14]

Not hard at all. It’s Gretzky by more than a little bit.

[@luclachaine4022]

​@@moody9442Copy-paste to prove your point? Come on, be creative! 😂

[@juicyfeces]

and I would still pick Mario over him. The best ever@@moody9442

[@pilbomags488]

I feel honoured to have lived through watching Mario and Wayne playing.

[@r.edward5701]

That 87 Canada Cup was special

[@hanslilja3873]

ABSOLUTLY ME 2 BUT ITS ONLY THAT ITS A LITTLE BIT BORING NOW BEACUSE WE WILL NEVER SEE THIS CIND OF PARADISE PLAYER ANYMORE ITS JUST IMPOSIBBLE THAT IT WOULD COME IN A PLAYER IN THE WORLD EVEN OF WE ARE LIVING IN OVER 1000 YEARS MORE

[@hanslilja3873]

I must also say that its was totaly rediculous that mario lemieux not was namned as the MVP PLAYER in that canada cup 1987 beacuse he was scoring The winning goal in The 2 final games against sovjet its imposibble to do more then that but it have always been buissnies in ishockey in canada and amerika so they have to voted gretzky as the mvp lllooooolllll

[@r.edward5701]

@@hanslilja3873 awards are meaningless. The players know

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

@@hanslilja3873- Gretzky scored 9 points in those final 3 games against arguably the best team in the world…and Gretzky outscored Lemieux overall in the 9 game tournament (2.33 PPG vs 2.0 PPG).

[@theodorebelmont7922]

Prime Mario Lemieux was the greatest most unstoppable player of all time

[@moody9442]

f gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@stevenweint7893]

Yes!! Agreed!! 😃

[@etienneroussel8651]

@@moody9442he had a busted back, busted knees and cancer… Still managed to be 8th all time point leader under 1000 games… you gotta be kidding. It took most of the guys in that list twice the amount of games…. Lemieux is god tier.

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

Orr

[@theodorebelmont7922]

@@randyfromthepeg4994 he was awesome too but career was too short.

[@Yich11]

everytime you say "pitchburg" i die laughing

[@rayrayray7494]

underrated comment ^ i didnt really notice before reading this now i cant stop laughing everytime he says it

[@albertamcdowell]

and how he says schtickhandling too

[@demad777]

@@rayrayray7494 so he is not pigsburgher.

[@the.difficulttimes]

😂😂😂

[@Zamppa86]

What made and makes Super Mario such an unbelievable person is the fact how he returned after his cancer treatments. He scored like 50 points in 20 or so games immediately after his return. Imagine, just having the rough treatments for cancer and fearing for one's life and then 50 or so points in 20 or so games. 99,9 percent of hockey players can never do that even completely healthy. Most people can't even do that in videogames. Super Mario did it in real life.

[@hanslilja3873]

Its just 1 thing that is wrong about what you are saying its not 99.9 % its 100% ha ha ha MARIO LEMIEUX IS THE GREATEST ISHOCKEY PLAYER IN THE HISTORY EWERY TIME I WAS LOOKING AT A GAME WHIT MARIO LEMIEUX I WAS IN THE PARADISE i realy realy missing to see him playing i am 53 years old now and IF I can Bee 500 years old even then I never ever again gonna se a player like MARIO LEMIEUX he is just The GREATEST ISHOCKEY PLAYER EVER even IF they are playing ishockey in 1000 more years they are not gonna be a player like SUPER MARIO LEMIEUX AGAIN EVER

[@hanslilja3873]

TOTALY INSANE HOW UNBELIVEBEL GOOD MARIO LEMIEUX WAS

[@chazd66]

During that time he said he was keeping track of the scoring race and how many points he would need to catch LaFontaine. How upset would you be if you were LaFontaine and had something like a 16 point lead for the scoring title when Mario returned. Then to loose it because Mario came back and was able to do Mario things.

[@luclachaine4022]

​@@chazd66Yep, unbelievable.

[@WVUer21]

Native Pittsburgher who grew up watching Mario, Jagr, Ronnie Francis, Kevin Stevens, Larry Murphy, Ulfie, even Paul Coffey for a minute. The Pens are damned lucky to have four generational talents, paired with each other(!) twice. Thanks for saving the franchise a couple times, too, Mario.

[@robertlegault9226]

I was looking at that roster just the other Day, and forgot how stacked those Stanley Cip teams were. I also remembered Kevin Stevens as just a goal scorer ( paired with Mario ) and forgot how big ( 6'3"" 230 )and tough he was , the dude could fight.

[@WVUer21]

@@robertlegault9226 All the nose candy helped Kev Stephens.

[@robertlegault9226]

@@WVUer21 feel no pain lol

[@mikekrcil]

@@WVUer21Some dude on a message board years back (maybe Yahoo!) went by the nickname "CokeyMonsterKevinStevens" lol

[@waynejohanson1083]

You forgot to mention Recchi, Tocchet, and Joe Mullen and others.

[@wantsome-zs5sq]

I remember watching him in 96/97 with Jagr. I remember watching him go toe to toe with Federov and Yzerman. One of the best games I ever saw. The skill on display was unreal.

[@djmc8505]

Damn... I bet!

[@TheTicktockman321]

Good heavens. The line of Lemieux, Francis, Jagr was so obscene that the entire league had to adopt the dead puck era just to stop them. What a crime that those guys were robbed of several years of greatness by the idiots that ran the league.

[@djmc8505]

100@@TheTicktockman321

[@travzimmerman1340]

*Fedorov

[@dannycarlow8204]

@@TheTicktockman321 I like when people think that each specific team is bound by the scoring averages of the era. It's funny. If a team is good, they will score, no matter the era. The 80's were the highest scoring decade, but the Oilers took it to the extreme. They were outscoring the league average by totals of 130, 115, 109, 96 and 90. The Pens had 90 goals over the average only once in Mario's time, or forever, for what it matters.The Bruins have the record of 155 more goals than the average in 1970. They led the league in scoring for seven straight years. They didn't let the era dictate their scoring either. Bobby and Wayne were able to take their teams to the extremes for lengths of time, Mario wasn't. That's why Wayne and Bobby always come before Mario in all the "greatest" lists. Great teams and players should always be able to break the limits of their eras. That's what makes them great.

[@Zachfarmer-ge4fx]

I think when he scored 5 goals all 5 different ways possible in one game, the only player ever to do it btw, was probably my favorite Lemieux moment as a Pens fan

[@chazd66]

That was my first Penguins game and has to be the hallmark moment of my Mario memories. Though I went temporarily deaf when he scored the game winner in Game 1 against Chicago.

[@Mashangi]

Growing up my best friends dad had a bunch of hockey memorabilia all over the basement where we would hang out and one of his prized pieces was a framed picture of Lemieux holding the 5 pucks from that game.

[@attela3905]

You're not sure he scored 5 goals in 5 different ways but it was your favorite moment as a Pens fan? Which team are you supporting currently?

[@Zachfarmer-ge4fx]

@@attela3905 oh I’m sure just was poorly worded comment

[@patrice5976]

When he retired in 1997, he was the ONLY player in history to averaged over 2 points per game for his entire career. 2.03 PPG AND 0.83 GPG, also highest of all time

[@dannycarlow8204]

I've never understood the flex in that one. Wayne could have retired at any time from after his third season to before his eighteenth season and retired with a higher ppg than that. If you use their ppg from each season to extrapolate every one of their seasons in which they missed games to full seasons, Wayne's career ppg drops to 1.903 and Mario's drops to 1.752.

[@darrenforseille641]

@@dannycarlow8204 i agree with that. i never thought it was fair to compare players that play an entire 80 games or close to 80 games and players that only play half a season. most players including gretzky slow down and get fatigued usually in the last half of the season and their PPG reduces a bit. i never thought it was fair to compare players that play only 50 games like lemieux and then get injured their body was not in full fatigue factor like gretzky was and had gretzky played the exact same amount of games as lemieux during a season his PPG total would be significantly higher. the fatigue factor makes a huge difference on points total and lemieux took advantage of that.

[@dannycarlow8204]

@@darrenforseille641 I honestly don't know many players who played more games in a twenty year span than Wayne. He only missed 97 regular season games in 20 seasons, played in 16 Stanley Cup tournaments, 6 finals series and 7 international tournaments. All being played at the highest level. The main job of a superstar athlete is to play, and Wayne played.

[@erikthered9670]

@@dannycarlow8204 the flex is that both players played until they couldn't anymore, and when they both called it quits, Mario had the higher points per game. After a few years sitting on the couch resting he felt good enough to play again and after a 3 year retirement in his mid 30s came back and was still head and shoulders the best player in the world and played at a 70 goal 150 point pace his first year back. When you're talking points per game you're not debating "who had the better career" you're asking who was more talented.

[@dannycarlow8204]

@@erikthered9670 When they both couldn't play anymore, Wayne was ahead in ppg. Mario could obviously still play because he did after his first retirement. When Mario retired the first time, he hadn't even played 800 games. He hadn't hit the backside of his career yet. When he did come back and hit the downside, look at what happened. Just shows how good Gretzky was to hold that ppg of his for almost 1500 games. Mario couldn't hold his even though he only came back for only 170 games. If you like the pace thing, when you extrapolate each season of both of their careers to make each season a full one using their ppg from each specific season, Mario's career ppg drops from 1.883 down to 1.752 ppg. Wayne's drops from 1.921 down to 1.903 ppg. Mario ends up with 2,422 points while Wayne ends up with 3,015 points. Using Mario's pace does not help your case in the least here. Mario was also far too reliant on powerplays for his points.

[@yionnecantu]

Lemieux is best Physical talent the sport of Hockey has ever seen.

[@andrewhamp2893]

God-level. The best. Period.

[@hanslilja3873]

I just love People like you how is understanding that SUPER MARIO was not from this planet its just rediculous to compare him whit The other players inklusive gretzky IF mario could have been healty his whole karriär he would have al The rekord in The NHL history maybe just maybe its gonna be a little bit close between him and gretzky when it comes to assist but in goals there is absolutly no question at al how is The KING

[@antioch1975]

Gretzky, assists alone is more points than any other player in NHL history. Enough said.

[@55Porter]

@@antioch1975 learn how to look beyond the stats to understand greatness. Even anyone who's never watched hockey in their life can look at a stat sheet and tell you what the highest numbers are. #66 was the best player to ever play. Even Gretzky has said so.

[@worldsgone]

Damn straight!!!

[@worldsgone]

​@@kevink8072I think it's great

[@patrickhamos2987]

I used to see his career as 'great-but-cut-too-short'. But as time has passed, I now see it as Perfect. The perfect arc, the obstacles, the highlights, the triumphs, the human story. A charmed hockey life. We can thank the hockey gods for Mario.

[@davidgolnick1403]

I saw him at the Joe in the early 90s. Yzerman was my man, but this man was without peer. How this man moved without the puck reminded me of a phantom that moved outside the rules of physics. Circling, circling, circling and then exploding through the neutral zone. He banged for the puck constantly. And yet no-one could stay with him. I've watched a helluva lot of hockey in my life. No-one, no-one (not even Gretzky who I watched a lot) surpassed this man

[@rondadon495]

I saw both Wayne and Mario play at the All Star Game in St. Louis in ’88. After regulation, tied 5-5. Gretzky with a goal - but Mario scored 2 goals and assisted on each of the other 3 goals. Then Super Mario with the perfect completion with the Hat Trick to win it in OT. What a game! I don’t think any of us knew what we were witnessing at that time. Absolute Legends!!

[@dacemercer3390]

Super Mario!!! One of one an absolute legend

[@benkenobi_]

He had god tier skill for that time, literally nobody knew how to stop him

[@whtghst8105]

He also is the only player in the history of hockey to have scored all 5 possible ways in one game! A record that will never be broken ! And i watched it live!

[@user-wy7zt9hs3z]

Never before or since have I seen someone who appeared to play in slow motion like him, dictating the pace. Everyone seeming to be playing faster with great effort, yet Lemieux was just beating everyone around him, barely breaking a sweat. I’m too young to have seen Gretzky’s peak, but I did see Mario’s….and he remains the greatest I’ve ever seen live. And it isn’t close.

[@judasbarnet8604]

The only one that i've seen dominate a game like lemieux is peak malkin.. But when i watching Erling haaland play soccer i get lemieux vibes..

[@fredbmurphy]

I like the fact that my hockey idol: Guy Lafleur, was also, and infinitely more importantly: Mario's.

[@fredbmurphy]

​@@judasbarnet8604I'm guessing you haven't watched Connor McDavid?

[@judasbarnet8604]

@@fredbmurphy mcdavid does not have the same presence like Mario and The other greats... He is fast and a Great points player but i still think hej lacks something to be upp Therese with the legends

[@coreygavin9134]

Have you had the pleasure of watching Lemieux in his prime? McDavid is the greatest player in the post Lemieux-era

[@dpgerais2592]

Mario and Patrick Roy are born on the same day of the same year!

[@robertlegault9226]

Wow I didn't know that. The best player and the best goalie born on the same day from the hockey Gods!!!

[@stevenweint7893]

Wow!! That is cool!! I didn’t know that! 😃

[@johntruxal432]

If you jumble the letters of jaromir (jagr) it's mario jr....

[@stevenweint7893]

@@johntruxal432 Ha Ha Ha! Cool!! 😃

[@dadmadedinner5456]

He’s the best I’ve ever seen. Born and raised in Cleveland, but super Mario made me a penguins fan for life.

[@luvslogistics1725]

92-93 is an incredibly touching season. He came back from cancer in the same season, early, and STILL dominated in what was the greatest season of hockey ever

[@crazyralph6386]

He was a straight up killer in EA Sports 94 hockey 😂

[@crazyralph6386]

@@kevink8072 while bouncing off body checks “uuumffff….boooo!!!” 😂

[@crazyralph6386]

@@kevink8072yep, while bouncing off body checks “uuumf, uuumf….boooo!!!” 😂

[@attela3905]

Must be a great player then.

[@crazyralph6386]

@@kevink8072 haha, one of my roommates would do that in order to get a few quick and easy goals to make it close. When dish duty is on the line, you’ll do whatever it takes lol!!!

[@dannycarlow8204]

Selanne was my guy in 94.

[@CyberNut930]

Every Pens fan should be grateful. For the majority of 3 decades we have had the privilege to have the greatest active players in the NHL. Between Lemieux and Crosby we got to see 5 cups and let’s not forget that Lemieux is a huge reason that hockey is still in Pittsburgh today. Lemieux playing days are long gone and Crosby has ceded he’s throne to McDavid and is on the tail of he’s career but I don’t think anyone really understands how lucky we are to have the privilege of watching generation defining greatness in one city for as long as we did.

[@sharkattack6423]

Unfortunate he didn't have a full career. The greatest goal scorer of alltime.

[@jdbankshot]

lol, the parents names are reversed, jean-guy is the father's name, pierrette is the mother.

[@stevenweint7893]

Ha Ha Ha! I noticed that, too!

[@randomhockeyguy9149]

It's ok, at least he pronounced Pittsburgh right every time. :/

[@omgmonsterhigh]

Let’s note that the names of Mario’s parents are backwards on the screen. Jean-Guy was his father and Pierrette was his mother.

[@e.a.p3174]

Mario was one of my favourites, especially in 87 Canada cup

[@SexySivart77]

80's-90's hockey was the best. My favorite player, of all time.💯👍

[@WarioSaysSo]

Mario Lemieux was so much greater in skills then any other player. If not for his injuries, cronic-back pains and cancer that stole houndreds of career games, there exist no doubts he would have been the 1# in goals and points. Unlike Gretzky who always had protection and star level assistance around himself, he still could not adapt his skills with advancing age unlike Lemieux who was a top scorer in the 80's, 90,s and 00's - and the 2003 season far from his prime he had the league's best PPG and would have won the scoring title if not for those heavy pains....

[@hanslilja3873]

Excuse me you have to meaning 80-90-2000 not 70 MARIO LEMIEUX was not playing in The 70 but I am totaly agree whit you ok

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@hanslilja3873 Dang you are right, I was tired when I wrote so I eill fix that now. Thanks

[@steverapos3904]

No need to knock Gretzky. Let me remind you, playing with NY, at age 37, he had 90 points. Note, this was the beginning of the dead puck era so he was tied for 3rd in league scoring that year. Furthermore, his star wingers had point totals in the 50's and 40's that year and the next closest player to him in scoring had 28 less points (LaFontaine playing 2nd line centre).

[@WarioSaysSo]

@@steverapos3904 Well true, but just the season after he heavily declined. I mean he did not even play the season out, leaving the team before season finale and scored only 62 points in 70 games with only 9 goals! He was by no means "bad" but he was declining in his performance on ice as he could no longer be a winning player for his team as despite the strong veteran power they failed to qualifu for the play-offs again. Sounds like bashing, but I was back then a Gretzky fan and felt his praise was for the old merits and that he looked like he was having enough. Compared to Lemieux who for ex. had no real support in the 2004 season (the team was dead tanking from 2002-) still was hungry for gaming. My point is Gretzky was great, but he had more problem adapting his skills in later season as his goal scoring touch heavily declined and became more of an assisting player - taking no charge like he did for Oilers or early Kings years.

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th. gretzky had back surgery in 93

[@kentkearney6623]

1991 Stanley Cup watched him dismantle the North Stars at the Met live for two games. He received the cup and celebrated why we play the game. Still hurts like hell. CONGRATULATIONS MARIO

[@Sincopare]

The catchphrase "You cannot stop him, you can only *hope* to contain him," says it best.

[@Grimior00]

I was fortunate enough to see Mario at the end of his career. What he did on the ice was unbelievable!! I have watched Hockey on and off through the years and I still have not seen anybody with the abilities Mario had on the ice. I would consider hands down Mario to be the GOAT!!!

[@kylefalce4813]

The Hockey News said it best 20 years ago. Gretzky had the best career, but everyone knows if you're playing a pick up game and have to choose the first player in his prime, it's Mario. Greatest to ever lace em up.

[@davidherling5686]

Let's not forget the Penguins tanked to get Lemieux, he was almost a NJ Devil. The Pens traded away their best player and sent their #1 goalie to the minors down the stretch. The Devils played their best players, and won some games finishing 3 points ahead of the Penguins. This was a major factor in the NHL adopting the draft lottery.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Penguins were smart and the devil weren't.

[@kevinalexander6812]

GM Eddie Johnston said it best. "As Genaral Manager I have to do what is best for my franchise" and what's best for your franchise in the spring of 1984 is losing every game you possibly can to get yourself in the position to draft Mario Lemieux. If you ask me, 83-84 Coach Lou Angotti and GM Eddie Johnston are woefully unsung and underrated heroes in Pittsburgh. They endured the hard times and the struggle knowing that it would ultimately pay off ten fold. And things worked out pretty well for the NJ devils too if I remember correctly. So Penguins fans definitely shouldn't feel bad.

[@user-uf3rh8kf9s]

Mario Lemieux EMBODIED DOMINANCE!🇨🇦🏒

[@justaverage7629]

To have been alive to have witness watching one of the all time greats… him and Gretzky… born 97, didn’t get into hockey until 05 but I’ve made sure to have watch the greats of my era when theyve visited my city lol.

[@jamieshanebell8234]

In my lifetime I've had the privilege to see some of the games greatest play. Gretzky, Messier, Yzerman, Sakic, Jagr, Lindros, Ovechkin, Malkin, Crosby, Matthews and McDavid. For almost 30 years one guy, one name in my opinion stands head and shoulders above them all. Super Mario

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

As a young kid in the late 80s and 90s and getting to grow up watching Mario Lemieux play hockey, was an absolute privilege. To this day I've never seen anyone dominate like Mario did. If the guy cound have stayed healthy he would be right there with Gretzky in points and probably would have passed him in goals. People can say Gretzky was better and maybe he was, but if I had one game to win, I'm taking Mario.

[@The-Dom]

broke his back, beat cancer, hadnt played in 4 years and the second he steps back on the ice he's the best player in the world and records the 32nd highest ppg season of all time. GOAT.

[@jasonjansen9831]

The most talented player ever to play the game imo. He had everything. Gretzky's hockey sense/playmaking ability was slightly superior but every other area Mario was the best.

[@djs-9942]

#66 🐧 AS a lifelong Flyers fan, Lemieux was FREAKING awesome & I loved him especially when he was against the OILERS,Red Wing, Canadiens, Devils & Capitals... #66🐧 I also lived close to the Civic Arena 😉

[@stevenweint7893]

👍👍👍😃

[@joemurphy9726]

Hands down, the greatest player of all time. Yes Gretzky has the titles, but when it comes down to sheer talent, lemieux takes the cake

[@reynev4n]

As a kid that got to experience NHL, first as a game, from 97, I just missed him. Then the rumors at the beginning of 2000s started that he might come back but not many believed it. Pens started trading for enforcers all of a sudden and indeed he came back, still remember the chills I got when he jumped onto the ice in his first game, those matches were a lot fun and I'm glad that I got to watch them live, too - as a kid from Europe where it was quite hard to find broadcasts, especially live (watched them during the week, too, with my father, then we went straight to school/work hah).

[@johnnoel2042]

I grew up in Laval and was lucky enough to see him play junior a number of times. It was amazing to see him grab the puck deep in his zone and then it was like the rest of the game stopped while he did whatever he wanted.

[@OgrePenguin]

I started watching hockey in the mid-70’s and Lemieux is the best player I’ve ever seen.

[@winst0n888]

He saved hockey in Pittsburgh. He is definitely top 5 most important sports star in Pittsburgh history.

[@livetotell100]

He was a beast. The ONLY player to score 5 different ways in a single game. Full Strength, Power play, Short handed, penalty shot, and an empty net goal.

[@QenaitheCustodianGuard]

It's unbelievable how similar him and Jagr are. Lemieux is the best hockey player of all time, unreal in every area of hockey unreal how complete he was.

[@kanzaki0001]

He was so smooth. He had a very calming presence on ice. He had an archetype storyline to his career

[@mladd777]

Watching this guy play was a blessing.

[@dhz781]

i was born near Pittsburgh in 1985 and watched 2 of the 3 best hockey players of all time play for the Penguins their whole careers. how is that real? a lot of other Pens have been really good during that time too! what?!

[@dalton7726]

🤨

[@969kurt]

Crosby is not top 3 all time. McDavid wipes the floor with him

[@sammyweed4771]

One top 10 one top 20 one top 25

[@rolieg81]

Ah, until MacD has back to back Conn Smythe 🏆's gtfoh.

[@969kurt]

@@rolieg81 Crosby only has 2 harts and 2 art Ross wins. You gtfoh

[@thet3504]

Mario Lemieux is the greatest hockey player to ever live... He did all of that with a bad back, smoked cigarettes and cancer.. He retired to only come back and dominate in 2000.. if he had a full HEALTHY career, Lemieux would have had over 1000 goals and 2500 points.

[@babayaga4355]

Mario was the best player ever….golden hands, shot, skills, speed, size, awareness, he lacked nothing except health. If he was healthy he would hold all the records; Jagr as a winger didn’t hurt either.

[@raylopez99]

But size doesn't matter. I'm not into hockey but I've seen pro players in the flesh and some of the best are tiny. However, the laws of physics say if you're big and fast, your momentum is going to be greater than small and fast, and so you will dominate in the conservation of momentum game.

[@dannycarlow8204]

How many goals and points would he have if he were healthy? You'd think the best player ever would have more than three MVPs don't you think?

[@Keeboy96]

​​​@@dannycarlow8204Lemieux never played a full season in his entire career and still managed to win 6 Art Ross ( best point producer in the league ) and 3 hart, but Hart is more like mix of being good and team trophy and is a vote.... Art Ross is just you are the best point producer, no vote... 6 Art and most of them he played 20 games less than other players. Lemieux was insanely good

[@dannycarlow8204]

@@Keeboy96 He was great, just not as great as Gretzky. Gretzky won four Harts where he didn't play full seasons either. Wayne could have played 50-60 games per season and still won Harts and Art Ross trophies.

[@Keeboy96]

@@dannycarlow8204 Nahhh Lemieux was better

[@bernardfong1019]

He owns the very franchise that chose him number one and that is some accolade indeed.

[@chazd66]

Living in Pittsburgh it was beyond amazing to watch all that Le Magnifique was able to do for the Penguins. Having saved the franchise three times, once as player and the other two as owner. The hallmark memory I have is my first hockey game. It was 12/31/89 the day that he did something that has not yet been replicated. When he scored 5 goals, 5 different ways. But I don't think of him as just a player. I consider Mario to be one of the greatest sports figures in history. How many have the talent to be one of the greatest a games has. Then on two separate occasions save a franchise by forming an ownership group and then getting a new stadium. As a player and owner he doesn't get the respect he much deserves.

[@dannycarlow8204]

He only saved it the last time because it obviously didn't work the first two times. Come on now. I know Mario fans live in fantasy land but reality is a nice place to visit sometimes.

[@chazd66]

@@dannycarlow8204Fantasy land? What part of his career was a fantasy? Maybe he should’ve got wrapped up in the gambling conspiracy like Gretzky did. When his wife and coach (Rick Tocchet) were found to have placed bets, while Gretzky was part owner of the Coyotes. As for the first two times, drafted in ‘84 and attendance went up 60%, won the Calder Trophy. 6 years later the first of back to back Stanley Cups. The second time on the verge of bankruptcy he puts together an ownership group to buy the team in 1999. Before his group the team was owned by Howard Baldwin (1992-1999). Then in ‘08 & ‘09 they split Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and in ‘10 construction of Consol Energy Center (now PPG Paints Arena) was complete. Then ‘16 & ‘17 back to back Stanley Cups. Please tell me what fantasy I am living in because those accomplishments seem to be factual.Maybe you want to talk ‘93 when he missed a lot of time due to chemo for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was over taken in the scoring race by Pat LaFontaine. Then upon returning he passed LaFontaine and wins the scoring title. I don’t know but not many are granted instant access to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Mario was one. Maybe you need to write Gary Bettman and tell him that Mario’s a fantasy and as such shouldn’t be in Hockey Hall of Fame.

[@dannycarlow8204]

@@chazd66 The fantasy what ifs that always come into almost every conversation. You know exactly what I'm talking about.

[@jpf1974]

@@chazd66he’s obviously just a troll who knows nothing about hockey greatness.

[@jpf1974]

@@dannycarlow8204you’re a 🤡

[@Feeldaburn]

Prime and healthy mario nobody could stop him there’s no doubt in my mind if he didn’t miss them 500+ games he would’ve surpassed Gretzky

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@moody9442]

mario with a full career maxes at 2300 and i think that generious

[@luclachaine4022]

​@@moody9442Oh! We can see that you don't like Mario... 😂😂😂

[@mlee81]

So much fun watching him as a pengiun fan in high school. The man is a legend in the burgh.

[@metalmarty3948]

Imagine if he stayed healthy his whole career. We'll never know how many points he could have had.

[@noahhess3402]

Talent wise - better than 99 if not for cancer/shortened career

[@TheHockeyVault]

Bigest What if career. So sad.

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th. gretzky had back surgery in 93 everyone has an excuse

[@HT-sm9dm]

Ah it’s too close to call. You’re literally splitting hairs with these two. Mario looked better but that doesn’t always mean “being better”. Same with Malkin and Crosby for example. Malkin looks better from a visual standpoint but Crosby contributes to winning just as much if not more. It’s super close.

[@jibberjabberr]

Never seen a better player live. He was magic.

[@georgebaigent8078]

I saw him play live just once. What an incredible memory.

[@jonathang9631]

He would fake players out of their skates with just his eyes. He was so subtle, looked like he was moving in slow-motion as he would lap other guys who looked like they were faster. Just absolutely dominant. It was like starting every game up 2-0, because you knew he was going to create at least 2 goals.

[@dmzabo3914]

The greatest ever. And I watched all those games. And I'm so glad I witnessed that man play the game he loves. Let's go Pens.

[@drunkcanuck8764]

For all the off ice stuff, surprised you didnt mention he saved the entire Penguin Franchise in the late 90s, by heading a buyers group to keep the team in Pittsburgh....he also acted as a billet for some kid named Sidney Crosby for his first 4 or 5 years in Pittsburgh, taking him under his wing and mentoring Crosby not only on the ice but also off it as well....and we all know what kind of player and person Sid turned into. In regards to Mario's career. Wayne Gretzky has said many times that Mario was a better player then he was, and that if he didn't suffer all the health setbacks we might be calling him the Great One instead...and I believe it. Wayne dominated the space teams gave him. Mario dominated teams and took the space he needed.

[@SupplementalSense]

I'm from Minnesota but am a Penguins fan because of Mario. That's the kind of impact he had. I also got into hockey when we didn't have a team here in Minnesota.

[@waynejohanson1083]

That goal he scored in the finals against Minnesota going through all those players was just plain awesome.

[@TL....]

around 89-90 some reporter asked gretzky is lemieux is as good as him, and gretzky said "better"

[@BouchIsOnTheLoose702]

Super Mario was the most skilled, naturally gifted and talented player in his prime. Gretzky recorded the most points, however, Mario was much more exciting to watch.

[@moody9442]

i didnt think so.

[@kevinalexander6812]

Just consider this for a minute. The comparison I like to use the most is with Steve Yzerman. An undisputed Legend in his own right. Yzerman has exactly 32 more points than Lemieux (2G, 30A). But Yzerman also has 599 more career games played. That's equivalent to just over 7 full seasons worth. This just speaks to how insanely, RIDICULOUSLY dominant Mario Lemieux really was.

[@911___________DIVOC]

I went to see him play in Toronto after his return from illness. I think he got 4 points that night. Made it look so easy.

[@jaysonj9327]

Prime Mario was the best player in the history of the game. He was unstoppable on offense. When he decided to play defense too (he saved this for playoff games) he could absolutely shut down your team's top line. Prime Mario was a much bigger version of Gretzky with Selke Award skills mixed in.

[@ajpdeschenes]

Thanks! I remember commanding this video! It should be also mentioned as a footnote the fact that he prepared the way for the next Pittsburgh star and best player in the league, Sidney Crosby!

[@stevenweint7893]

😃👍👍👍

[@kristopherkurelis7588]

why isn’t there a biopic on this man ? I’m a huge hockey & film fan & I’ve always wondered this … no other player in NHL history has a more dramatic/uplifting story than #Soixante-Six

[@toedrag-release]

Had he not been so injury prone i personally think he could have beaten some of Gretzkys records. IMO hes the GOAT

[@HyBr1dRaNg3r]

Glad I got to see him play in the back to back cup run, tho I was pretty young so don’t remember a ton…What got me most was seeing how tall he was, he was a giant on the ice

[@jkomoroski]

I saw Mario get 2 goals and 6 assists against the Blues first I ever saw him live. That same night Gibby hit the home run for the Dodgers. Mario, Wayne & Stevie were top 3 in scoring that yea all over 160 points. A great era to experience.

[@MoliikCZE]

Yzerman's career best is 155. Best non Gretzky or Lemieux season scoring-wise. McDavid almost beat that last year with 153 points.

[@knightrider693]

So glad i got to see Lemieux and Gretzky play!

[@Hash4366]

Best hockey player of all time there's no argument to be made over it, many arguments made over Wayne Gretzky being the greatest!

[@RS-ob1vr]

Better than old 99 .IMHO .my favorite player overall .he turned that failing Pittsburgh team into the team of today . Dominant force in the NHL hands down .

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@gardengreatness1457]

This guy was absolutely ridiculous at empty net goals. He was unstoppable. It was fun to watch. Pittsburgh was lucky to have him and Crosby back to back. Maybe Favre followed by Rodgers is comparable. I can't think of anything close

[@robertlegault9226]

Played against him once as a kid. He would go behind his net go the whole ice and score without even trying. We lost 7-0 and it could have been 20-0 Lemieux scored all the goals. In the NHL, his back was so bad that he couldn't tie his own skates but he was leading the league in scoring. Think about that. He too a lot of abuse, if he had a Semenko to protect him and was healthy he would have possibly scored more that Gretzky. I always felt that both Lemieux and Gretzky both had incredible hockey IQ's like they were watching the game from above.

[@waynejohanson1083]

Could you see then this guy was going to be something special.

[@robertlegault9226]

@@waynejohanson1083 Totally, I didn't know who he was because we weren't playing a team from our area it was just a exhibition game. Years latter a friend told me that it was Mario Lemieux. It was like we were playing agaiist someone 10 years older, who was already a pro, we didn't kbow what hit us, we couldn't stop him. My friend was a great athlete and played Against him in AAA baseball and Mario would be pitching no hitters and hitting grand slams. He's a freak of nature because the area he's from is a Very very blue collar french area. The french are usually shorter people and here's Mario at 6'4" AND a wicked athlete.. the only person that reminds me of Mario is Shohei Ohtani in baseball who's also a freak Japanese 6'4" wicked athlete.

[@waynejohanson1083]

@@robertlegault9226 Thanks for sharing. I did not know Mario played baseball and was that good at it. I guess he was just a great all around athlete.

[@robertlegault9226]

@@waynejohanson1083 He's also a scratch golfer 😂

[@gregbear6998]

Watched him shorts everybody..Not everyone can do that..truly gifted

[@Jt7166]

The greatest professional athlete I’ve seen in my life.

[@Snarkapotamus]

He, Jagr and the crew sure got the Igloo hoppin' back in the day!

[@christopherblessing3868]

THE BEST TO EVER STRAP ON A SET OF SKATES PERIOD! You gotta believe that some people are born to do certain things and Mario Lemieux was born to play hockey!

[@jwilder2251]

In his prime, the best player I’ve ever seen. Unstoppable

[@heartsproductions9308]

Ive always just knew Mario was the best ever. I can’t explain it. It’s like you can see it in him.

[@ianammon6040]

Mario's point totals vs. Wayne Gretzky should also take into account how the league changed the rules to STOP skill players from taking over the game. In Gretzky's prime, when two players were sent off for roughing, the teams would then play 4 on 4. While it wasn't a power play, giving Wayne one less defender and the extra ice two bodies would take up DEFINITELY helped him achieve those historic numbers.

[@michaelcarpenter2762]

Definitely feel that he was the most talented player ever. Not just a points machine. I saw him score a shorthanded goal in Hartford were after stealing the puck just powered his way through two defensemen while still maintaining puck control and then beating the goalie. Still by far the most amazing play I've seen.

[@dannycarlow8204]

He wasn't a points machine in the way Wayne was. Mario had a limit where Wayne didn't. Mario could only score big numbers in specific seasons, not just any season. He could only score big in seasons where the Pens averaged over 5 powerplays per game. Anything less than that and the most he ever actually scored was 122 points and the most he was ever on pace for was 144 points. In Mario's 199 point season, the Pens had 491 powerplays. In Wayne's 215 point season, the Oilers had 295 powerplays. Mario needed a ton of powerplays or he couldn't score big, no matter who his teammates were in those seasons.

[@venom7558]

The debate over who's the best will go on forever,but for me,it's Mario. Gretzky had a better career,but Lemieux was the better player. Had he not battled back problems and cancer,not only would he have so many more records but I believe,he would've scored over 1,000 goals.

[@hanslilja3873]

There is no question about that my friend IF mario lemieux would have been healty his whole karriär and Bee playing as many games that gretzky was playing like 1450 games something thst is almos 600 games more then mario lemieux was playing and still he was scoring almost 700 goals IF lemieux would have been healty he would have been scoring over 800 goals just in this 915 games that he was playing just imagine then that he would have been playing 600 games more there is no question about that he gonna score over 1000 goals i guess that he would have been scoring 1100-1200 goals IF he would have been playing this 1450 games and he would have been healty

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th. lemieux in no way was better

[@jmarx3943]

I don't know if he's the best ever. I never saw prime Gretzky or Orr. But i can say beyond a shadow of a doubt that he's the best and most talented player I've personally ever seen.

[@hanslilja3873]

MARIO LEMIEUX IS THE GREATEST ISHOCKEY PLAYER IN THE HISTORY KING OF KINGS GOD OF GODS THE MAGNIFICENT ONE

[@benkenobi_]

Skill wise, he was miles above Gretzky.

[@moody9442]

if gretzky retired at the same game number as lemieux hes still over 2000 points and in 1st overall.... mario managed 8th.

[@dannycarlow8204]

From ages 19-31, Mario only had a better points per game average at ages 27 and 30 than Wayne did. Wayne had the better ppg at ages 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 31. Mario didn't play in his age 29 year, Wayne had a 1.945 ppg that season. Wayne averaged over two points per game every season from age 20-28 and at 30. That's ten times, Mario did it six times. Imagine Mario, but better.

[@davidjohnson-fw5co]

the best goal scorer the nhl has ever seen

[@bradstrayer485]

Will always say he was the best Hockey player to ever live.

[@alessandrorinaldi9926]

GOAT. Yes, even better than 99!!

[@Losrandir]

I love how Jaromir seems to be excited to level 2 once Mario's back

[@MillSacker]

88/89 Lemieux was a nearly unstoppable one-man offensive force; it was pre-Jagr. that Lemieux could have skated with a couple of cones and still put up league leading scoring numbers.