Super Mario?

I have mixed feelings about all the love being heaped upon Mario Lemieux in the wake of his second retirement. Obviously, I am a little biased. As a Caps fans my feelings toward Mario bordered on hatred as he routinely dismantled the Caps in the playoffs seemingly every year. It is indisputable, however, that he is a remarkable talent and one hell of a hockey player.

As a hockey fan, I enjoyed watching him make outstanding plays look easy. Anyone who has played even a little bit knows that it just isn't as simple as he makes it seem. Lemieux probably has to be considered one of the top five players of all-time (The Great One, Messier, Howe and Orr would be my others). If we're talking about offensive skill alone, you could make a case for him being the best ever. His combination of size and grace was rare when he entered the league.

Toss in some hard- to- duplicate feats (scoring on his first shift, scoring 5 goals in 5 different ways in one game, 2 Stanley Cup wins, 2 Conn Smythe trophies and a Gold Medal) and you have quite the resume.

He also fought through and returned to play from numerous injuries and illness including cancer. It is hard to tell what his numbers might have been like if these ailments hadn't robbed him of several seasons. It's kind of shame that he has to retire now because he should thrive in the revamped, wide-open NHL.

HOWEVER, there is plenty not to like about this guy. For starters, if you look a little further down his medical chart you notice his allergy to playing defense. He would constantly shirk his defensive responsibilities; at least center isn't an important defensive position. Hah!

Lemieux is also a first class whiner. He would bitch and moan(sometimes justified) about hooking or holding only to employ the same tactics minutes later. I've seen many Lemieux slashes and dirty plays go uncalled. He and Jagr were often the beneficiaries of phantom penalties caused by their incessant whining.

All I'm saying is don't forget that the amazing player who twice saved hockey in Pittsburgh has a whole bunch of arrogant pretty boy in him.