Thursday could be Mario Lemieux’s final game in Chicago, so a look at his top achievements
(1) Back-to-back Conn Smythe
Lemieux becomes only the second player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the top performer in the postseason two seasons in a row. He does it by leading the Penguins to a Stanley Cup title over the Minnesota North Stars in 1991 and the Blackhawks in 1992.
(2) Overcoming Hodgkins’ disease
He is diagnosed with the disease in January 1993. He undergoes treatment and returns in time to lead his team to an NHL-record 17 consecutive victories.
(3) Hall of Famer still playing
Lemieux was unanimously inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997, without having to wait the customary three years after retirement. And in November 1997, his No. 66 was retired by the Penguins.
(4) Pittsburgh’s NHL savior
He saves hockey in Pittsburgh in 1999 by becoming the primary owner of the Penguins and purchasing them out of bankruptcy.
(5) Unretired
Lemieux makes a comeback midway through the 2000-01 season after a three-year retirement. He has 35 goals and 94 assists since returning.
(6) Bagging gold
He leads Canada to a gold medal in the 2002 Games in Salt Lake City.
