Deep inside you knew he would do it. The aging star, three years removed from the game, would return triumphantly to the ice, and lead his team to victory. It was just like a script written in Hollywood, except for the fact that it was playing right before your eyes on ESPN. Even those naysayers who claimed he would be a step or two slow, or that his achy back would never stand up to physical play, or that he would never live up to his former greatness could see it in his eyes when he took to the ice a week ago Wednesday.
There was only one thing they showed the world: Mario's back.
Mario Lemieux's eyes did not betray him. Only 33 seconds into his first shift in three and a half years, he was already figuring in the action, setting up Jaromir Jagr for a goal. If the determination in his eyes hadn't proved he was back, his actions did. Le Magnifique would not let down in his return.
Not only did he compile a goal and two assists, he was dominant. Mario skated like he had never left the game, infusing confidence into an offense that had long lain dormant. Lemieux's mere presence on the ice made his teammates play inspired hockey. They fed off the adrenaline provided by Mario and his adoring fans. At 35 years of age, after only a month of serious preparation, the Hall-of-Famer returned to the ice as Super Mario. It is clear that his return will be a shot in the arm for both the struggling Penguins and a struggling league.
It was only two seasons ago when Wayne Gretzky hung up his skates and retired from hockey. The Great One's mantle was then passed on to the next generation, represented by Jagr. The skilled Czech has dazzled at times, but has also struggled with the onus of being the heir to Gretzky's legacy.
Enter Mario. Frustrated with seeing his franchise struggle under the leadership of his protg, Mario the owner decides to return. He does not pull punches in announcing his comeback. He expects to return to prime form, and his goal is nothing less than reclaiming the throne that once was his, and bringing hockey glory back to the Steel City.
Mario has not disappointed. In the two games since his return, Lemieux has netted two goals and five assists, proving that he has not skipped a beat. Even more telling than those numbers have been that of linemate Jagr, who has benefited greatly from not having to shoulder the load of the whole offense. Jagr also compiled seven points, with all four of his goals being set up by Lemieux. In Saturday's 5-3 win over Ottawa, both players reached significant milestones. Lemieux became only the 10th player to reach 1,500 career points, and Jagr reached the 1,000-point plateau. As a result, both players were named co-players of the week. This was a fitting cap to a storybook first week.
Last night against the Washington Capitals, Lemiuex continued h si scoring ways with a goal and an assist.
Amidst the hype surrounding his return, many in the media have questioned Mario's motives for lacing them back up. Some say it's economics, claiming Mario the owner wants to reclaim the money he is owed by making the Penguins win again. Others say it's a ploy to keep Jagr in Pittsburgh. The even more cynical among us say it is only a move to jack up Jagr's value on the trade market. Many have cited the conflict of interest of having an owner/player. I say, who cares?
If Mario says he is returning so his 4-year-old son can watch him play, I will believe him. The only thing that matters is that he still has the will to win, and an overarching love for the game. Hockey needs Mario Lemieux right now to fill the void left by the retirement of the Gretzky. The offensive flair exhibited by the Great One and Le Magnifique has gone hiding in the last few years, replaced by thuggery and boring defensive play. A player the caliber of Mario, who possesses a unique combination of offensive skills, size, and drive can single-handedly raise the standard of play in the whole league. Lets hope Super Mario does this.
There is only one parallel to the Mario story. It is one of a man named Michael Jordan. Like Mario, MJ amazed fans with superhuman feats of athletic brilliance. Like Mario, MJ ushered in a whole new way to play the game. Like Mario, MJ retired on his own terms at a young age. MJ came out of retirement to prove he still possessed greatness, and capped off the Bulls dynasty by leading them to two more NBA championships. Whether Mario can do the same with the Pens remains to be seen. All that hockey fans can do now is sit back and enjoy.
Welcome back Mario. We have missed you.
