Lemieux enjoys alumni game reunion, has two points
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Penguins alumni Gary Rissling is knocked to the ice in front of Capitals goalie Don Beaupre during the Winter Clasic Alumni game. -
Penguins alumni Robbie Brown celebrates his goal on a pass from Mario Lemieux. -
Penguins owner Mario Lemieux arrives in unform at Heinz Field. -
Penguins owner Mario Lemieux greets teammates Rob Brown and Phil Bourque
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Mario Lemieux had two assists in the Penguins' 5-5 tie with Washington in the Winter Classic alumni game this morning at Heinz Field, showing his trademark flair with the puck even as his legs -- and those of just about everyone -- moved visibly slower.
"Glad it's over," Lemieux said moments afterward with a smile and an exhale.
One of Lemieux's assists came on a power-play goal by Ron Francis at 14:22 of the second and final period that gave the Penguins a 5-4 lead. That turn-back-the-clock unit also featured Kevin Stevens up front, with Larry Murphy and Paul Coffey on the points. All but Stevens are in the Hall of Fame, and it showed in the slick movement that led to Francis' tip.
"Yeah, it looked like we knew what we were doing," Lemieux said. "Pretty much the same setup we had 20 years ago."
In general, Lemieux added, "It was fun to be part of it, to be outdoors, the weather was beautiful, and just to see some of the faces again, guys I hadn't seen in a long time, guys from the Cup years . . . it was special for all of us. And I'm sure it was for the Washington guys, as well. These are some memories we'll cherish for a long time."
Lemieux, the Penguins' greatest player and co-owner, commented on several topics:
• On whether current captain Sidney Crosby is playing at Lemieux's level of his prime: "Absolutely. I think it's much tougher to dominate the league now, the way it's set up. For him to go out there and do the things he does every night, every shift, it's incredible. His toughness is unbelievable, his training, his shooting ability has gotten better the past couple years ... what he's doing now is much more impressive than what I did years ago."
• On what makes Crosby special: "I don't think he worries too much about the opposition. It's all about his game and his preparation for the game. He's basically hockey 24 hours a day. He sleeps hockey, it seems like. His work ethic, preparing himself, doing the same thing every day . . . I don't think what the opposition does really bothers him. He goes on the ice, knows what he needs to do and tries to do it every shift."
First Published December 31, 2010 12:33 pm
