Pittsburgh Penguins: The Greatest Players in All Time
The Pittsburgh Penguins have a rich history and have been blessed with some of the best players ever to grace the NHL ice. This article delves into who fans and experts consider to be the best.
3. Sidney Crosby - A Multifaceted Star
Third place belongs to Sidney Crosby, one of the greatest talents in NHL history. Crosby has earned a total of two Art Ross Trophies, two Hart Trophies, three Ted Lindsay Awards, two Rocket Richard Trophies, two Conn Smythe Trophies, and a remarkable ten NHL All-Star appearances.
Beyond his individual accolades, Crosby's achievements speak volumes about the level of talent the Penguins franchise has boasted. Notably, Crosby is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a World Champion, and a World Junior Championship winner. His contributions to the team have been immeasurable, leading the Penguins to three Stanley Cups.
2. Jaromir Jagr - The Timeless Legend
Reigning as the second-best player in Pittsburgh Penguins history is Jaromir Jagr, widely acknowledged as the Timex of professional hockey. Jagr has accumulated two Stanley Cups, five Art Ross Trophies, thirteen All-Star appearances, a Hart Trophy, and three Pearson Lindsay Awards, along with a bronze Olympic medal. His remarkable fifteen NHL records speak volumes of his individual and team achievements. Despite his age of 52, Jagr remains a professional player, making his inclusion even more remarkable.
1. Mario Lemieux - Undisputed King of the Penguins
Mario Lemieux is the single greatest player to have worn the jersey of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lemieux was the only player to rival Wayne Gretzky's record-setting goals and assists when both were at their prime. His contributions have been awe-inspiring, earning him two Stanley Cups, two Conn Smythe Trophies, six Art Ross Trophies, four Pearson Awards, three Hart Trophies, and twelve NHL All-Star appearances.
Lemieux's most remarkable achievement is his point-scoring ability. In the 1988–89 season, he set an NHL record with 199 points, bridging the gap to pass 200 points. Wayne Gretzky was the only player to break 200 points in a season, doing so four times, but Lemieux's 199 points are an extraordinary feat. His surname also means "The Best" in French, underscoring his legendary status.
Conclusion: The true tragedy of Mario Lemieux's career is the impact of injuries that plagued him, leading to the abuse of his body, and his addiction to smoking. Despite these challenges, Lemieux managed to achieve 66 significant accomplishments, often with physical constraints. This fact further cements his status as the greatest player in Penguins history, and perhaps in NHL history.
Final Verdict: Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux stand head and shoulders above the rest. Their impact on the team and their individual achievements make them irreplaceable legends in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins.