Photo originally uploaded to Flickr by gusp.
One of the truly great ones has called it a career.
This really wasn’t a surprise to me, in light of the heart trouble he experienced earlier this season. As great as his career has been, you just have to wonder how much more he could have accomplished had it not been for his health (back, Hodgkins, heart). The fact that he accomplished what he has, in spite of those problems, is further testament to his greatness.
A good argument could be made that the [tag]Pittsburgh Penguins[/tag] owe their continued existence to Mario; time will tell whether they will continue to exist as the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Thank you, [tag]Mario Lemieux[/tag], for a wonderful and spectacular career, and a lifetime of memories. You truly were The Magnificent One.