Mario Lemieux Retires

[EDSGOLF]

That's too bad:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=152104&hubname=

[Law]

No surprise there, was only a matter of time. Besides why would he want to return to play on a team that SUCKS? Too bad though.

[Big Johnny69]

No suprise really. I'm sure that heart condition opened his eyes a little, even though he was still training. Too bad though, most of us will remember the Mario of the last couple of years as opposed to the dominating force of the 90s he once was. I sit at my computer desk right now and look at the memerobilia I have of him, and I know I'll remember him as Mario Le Magnifique, one of my favourite players of all time.

[1972Apex]

He was done before the season started. No big surprise.

[Big Johnny69]

True very true Reid. But I think he felt obligated to be a mentor to Crosby and thought he could tough out one more season. But I guess all those injuries and Father Time finally convinced him to pack it in.

[davevandyk]

Used to love the Mario of all, but his comeback really tainted my image of him. I know his initial career got cut short by injury, but so did Orr's.

I think its a shame that he came back, just like Jordan did. Now all the kids of today will remember a washed up Mario, unlike Gretzky who they look at as a legend. I am not saying he wasn't great, but most players are remember by what they did at the end of the career.

Like they said "What have you done lately?" It's sad but true, i really think his legend will be forever tarnished!

[jonf]

Used to love the Mario of all, but his comeback really tainted my image of him. I know his initial career got cut short by injury, but so did Orr's.

I think its a shame that he came back, just like Jordan did. Now all the kids of today will remember a washed up Mario, unlike Gretzky who they look at as a legend. I am not saying he wasn't great, but most players are remember by what they did at the end of the career.

Like they said "What have you done lately?" It's sad but true, i really think his legend will be forever tarnished!

I disagree. Granted, he didn't play as well as before his initial retirement, but he was still a dominant player for the first few years back. I remember him coming in with a bang against Toronto. I was actually really impressed with his level of play, as a 30-something cancer survivor and ex-smoker (he did quit, right).

[dbleber]

Hey even this year, every game he played he had a few points and always made a difference. He seems to have away of making players play his game and his vision is unreal. To bad for the Pens, Palffy, Mario who’s next? Not the season they had in mind. Their only hope is to move to a hockey city, get Malkin in a uniform beside Crosby, try again at the free market thing, trade some of this baggage they have and last but not lease, come in lat place and draft Kessle. Now that would be a trio of young guys to build a franchise around, remember Tampa Bay?

[jonf]

Sounds like a good plan. The only thing I'd change is that, in their situation, I'd take Johnson - they need to get some defence in behind crosby and malkin, because they won't be providing it.

[mberube]

Farewell to one of the greats. My favourite player of all times. I grew up “trying” to imitate all his moves in minor hockey. I will miss super Mario “Le Magnifique”.

[Paulio]

The greatest ever - he will be missed! What would this man have done if he was healthy? Gosh...

[davevandyk]

Sounds like a good plan. The only thing I'd change is that, in their situation, I'd take Johnson - they need to get some defence in behind crosby and malkin, because they won't be providing it.

I agree with you as well, i think they would be better equipped if they picked up a good, tough d-man. Don't forgot they have MA Fleury as well. Granted his numbers are horrible, but who's wouldn't be on a team like this. He is gonna be a great goalie if he gets some support on the d infront of him.

[dbleber]

I was think of getting a good D-man with a trade or free agency. Lets face it gonchar has been a complete flop along with the rest of the free agents. Johnson is a solid D-man and if it was Phenuf I would be on board but I wouldn't pass up Kessle. He will be the face of the American Hockey program for years to come.

[davevandyk]

I was think of getting a good D-man with a trade or free agency. Lets face it gonchar has been a complete flop along with the rest of the free agents. Johnson is a solid D-man and if it was Phenuf I would be on board but I wouldn't pass up Kessle. He will be the face of the American Hockey program for years to come.

I am definetly not sold on Kessel at all, especially from seeing him at the World Juniors. He was easily neutralized at the tourney, while Johnson was effective against all teams and players. Erik Johnson is now actually rated above Kessel in the latest rankings, with Kessel slipping to second. Look out for Toews and Staal who are both putting up impressive numbers and could go at the top as well.

It all comes down to what the team needs, a solid D or a forward.

[dbleber]

I really like Staal as well! From what I saw, he was the best D-man at the Juniors.

[davevandyk]

no this is the third of the Staals, Jordan. Marc, who was the one in the World Juniors got drafted last year, 12th i believe, by the Rangers.

Jordan is a center and being from Thunder Bay, i got to watch these guys a lot growing up. Jordan has been regarded as the best Staal for a couple of years now, should be scary!

Its gonna be fun, there is a 4th Staal that is playing AAA hockey in T.Bay and is also amazing!