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On October 11, 1984, he made his debut in NHL the only player worthy of being compared to Wayne Gretzky, by class and quality: Mario Lemieux.
Friday 12 October 2018 5 minutes reading time
Mario made his debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring his first goal, on the first pitch, during the first change and he also put on an assist ... all in Boston Garden against the strong Boston Bruins of Ray Bourque.
An unprecedented debut for the Canadian boy, selected as the 1st choice from Pittsburgh to the 1984 draft (after scoring 282 points in 70 games of QMJHL!), A franchise to which Mario "Le Magnifique" Lemieux has inextricably linked his destiny; as a player first and owner from 1999 onwards.
Over the course of his career, Super Mario has achieved extraordinary milestones, both personally and team, both in NHL and internationally: 2 consecutive Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992, being rewarded in both cases with the Conn Smythe Trophy, 1 Olympic gold and 1 world championship. On a personal level, in addition to the aforementioned Conn Smythe, he won the Calder Trophy as best debutant, 3 Maurice Rocket Richard, 6 Art Ross, 3 Hart Trophy, 4 Ted Lindsay Award and 1 Bill Masterton Trophy .
The numbers and results of Lemieux are even more impressive if we think of the physical problems that have plagued him throughout his career: a herniated disc twice, a chronic tendonitis of the hip flexor and different fractures. in the 1992 playoffs, following the fracture of the hand, he only jumped 5 games, he returned with his hand still broken and won the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy anyway.
The most difficult challenge faced by the captain of the Penguins - and fortunately won - remains the fight against the tumor diagnosed in January 1993. Mario jumped 2 months during which he underwent radiation therapy ... his return, which took place the same day '' last treatment, occurred in the home of the historic enemies of the Flyers, where the public notoriously hostile opponent, gave him a standing ovation.Nelle following seasons - 1993 / '94 and 1994 / '95 - had to undergo a new cycle of radiotherapy and in the second operation back, losing almost two whole years. In 1995 / '96 he returned to report 161 points in 70 games and in 1996 / '97 another 122 in 76 races.
However, the pains that haunted him, forced Mario to announce his retirement on April 6, 1996, except back on track, though not full-time, in 2000 / '01, after saving the Penguins from bankruptcy and a virtually certain relocation , buying the team in 1999.
On January 24, 2006, Lemieux announced his defensive retirement, closing an absolutely extraordinary career: 1723 points in 915 games (1.88 points per game) as well as 172 points in 107 playoff games (1.61 points per game).
Without the numerous injuries, Mario Le Magnifique Lemieux could have reached and surpassed some of Gretzky's records. The fact remains that, irrespective of the cold statistics, the legendary n. 66 of the Pittsburgh Penguins will always remain one of the greatest talents, if not the greatest, to have ever set foot in a hockey rink.
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