When it comes to the best player to wear the #66 for the Pittsburgh Penguins, there is no contest. The honor goes to one of the greatest players in NHL history, Mario Lemieux. Known as “Super Mario,” Lemieux not only changed the course of the Penguins franchise but also helped redefine the sport of hockey with his skill, leadership, and tenacity.
The Arrival of Mario Lemieux
The 1983-84 season was pivotal in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins. After a dismal season, the team was vying for the first overall pick in the 1984 NHL Draft. The prize? None other than Mario Lemieux, the sensational forward from Montreal who was widely regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime talent. Despite many teams offering enticing trade packages, the Penguins held onto their top pick and selected Lemieux, forever changing the future of the franchise.
Lemieux made an immediate impact. In his very first NHL game, he scored on his first shot during his first shift. By the end of his rookie season, Lemieux had registered 43 goals and 100 points in just 73 games—an astonishing feat for any first-year player. His natural talent and vision on the ice were immediately evident, and he quickly became the cornerstone of the Penguins’ future success.
The Stanley Cups and Legendary Moments
Lemieux’s legacy in Pittsburgh would be defined by his leadership on the ice, including his guiding role in leading the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992. These championship runs are among the most memorable in NHL history, with Lemieux playing a central role in every moment.
In the 1991 Stanley Cup Final against the Minnesota North Stars, Lemieux scored one of the most iconic goals in franchise history—a coast-to-coast, end-to-end rush that left defenders in his wake and showcased his incredible skill. The goal would become a symbol of his dominance during the Penguins’ Cup run.
In 1992, Lemieux added to his legend with another dominant playoff performance, including a game-winning goal in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Penguins would go on to sweep the series, securing their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Lemieux finished those two playoff runs with an impressive 32 goals and 78 points in just 38 games—proof of his clutch ability when the stakes were highest.
Health Struggles and Resilience
Despite his immense success on the ice, Lemieux’s career was marred by significant health challenges. Throughout the 1990s, he battled severe back issues, including a herniated disk that caused him to miss 50 games during the 1990-91 season. But it was in 1993 that Lemieux’s health struggles took a more serious turn when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. After undergoing radiation treatments, Lemieux made a stunning return to the ice just two months later, earning a standing ovation from the Philadelphia Flyers’ fans in the process. His resilience became a symbol of perseverance, and his return to the ice only added to his legend.
Unfortunately, Lemieux’s back issues persisted, leading to another surgery in 1993. He missed significant time during the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons, and in 1997, he announced his retirement to focus on his health and family. However, his story didn’t end there.
The Return to the NHL
In December 2000, after a four-year hiatus, Lemieux made a dramatic return to the NHL. At the age of 35, he proved that his skills hadn’t diminished, scoring 35 goals and adding 41 assists in 43 games during the 2000-01 season. He had returned not only to play the game he loved but to lead a team that was struggling. His return was a key moment in stabilizing the Penguins’ future, and it set the stage for a new era in Pittsburgh hockey.
In the years that followed, Lemieux briefly played alongside Sidney Crosby, a new young star who would carry the Penguins’ torch after Lemieux’s eventual retirement. However, on January 26, 2006, Lemieux was forced to retire for good, this time due to an irregular heartbeat. His second retirement marked the end of an era for both Lemieux and the Penguins.
A Legacy Beyond the Ice
Lemieux’s impact went far beyond his on-ice achievements. In 1999, he became the majority owner of the Penguins and was instrumental in saving the franchise from bankruptcy and preventing the team from relocating. His business acumen and passion for the team ensured the Penguins would remain in Pittsburgh, where they continue to thrive.
Lemieux’s five Stanley Cups as a player, his extraordinary individual accomplishments (690 goals, 1,723 points in 915 games), and his lasting influence on the Penguins franchise have solidified his place as one of the most important figures in hockey history. His #66 jersey was retired by the Penguins in 1997, and he remains a beloved figure in Pittsburgh to this day.
Conclusion
When it comes to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ history, there is only one player who wore #66: Mario Lemieux. His incredible skill, leadership, and resilience made him not only the greatest player in Penguins’ history but one of the most remarkable athletes the world has ever seen. From his legendary goals to his battles with illness, Lemieux’s legacy transcends the game of hockey, and his influence on the Penguins will never be forgotten. Super Mario indeed!
You Might Be Interested In:
