Originally Posted by broken27
Pittsburgh basically doesn't have a team because of him... As for conducting a poll, I can actually do that since the media outlet I work for has a radio show in Pittsburgh.
Quite honestly, and without using extremes, I will admit Mario was one of the greats. But, he is far past his prime, which is shown by the fact that he can't play for his NHL team without getting injured. There is also the issue of conflict of interest, as Mario is both an owner and part of the NHLPA. There used to be a 5% ownership rule imposed on players, to avoid precisely this kind of situation. But they bent the rules for Mario, and now we'll see how ready he is to lock himself out. Should hear about it around noon tomorrow.
To your earlier comment about me taking a plane to the Czech Republic: I'm more than happy to go there as soon as my kids are old enough to relocate. Already have my citizenship papers sorted out, so I'll oblige you in about two years or so. :-) Better beer there anyway.
Dan