Ovechkin wasn’t as good because he was a soft Russian, or whatever.

I don’t know anyone who has ever insinuated that. In fact, going into the year, most analysts picked Ovechkin as the favorite to win the Calder. Just because Ovechkin is good, doesn’t mean Crosby is not and vice versa. Personally, I think that at the end of the day, the two of them will be equally good.

With that said…

Mario Lemieux was an incredible talent, he had the ability to transcend the game on his own terms to a higher level. I personally view his accomplishments, his overcoming adversity and his passion for the game of hockey as inspirational. His career should be applauded for what it is, amazing! He will remain a legend of hockey for all time and rightfully so.

As for the comments regarding Crosby and the further comparing him Ovechkin. Both play the game of hockey with great passion and skill. Ovechkin is a thrill to watch when he scores, reminds me very much of Bure in where his talents lie and his ability to astonish. Crosby however has a much broader skill set that is evident already but will surely take a few years to fully blossom. You can compare this broader set of skills to Gretzky, Yzerman, Lemieux etc etc, the level he achieves whether it be as developed as these or other superstars mentioned remains to be seen. Both will surely be superstars for years to come as with some others. Just not reasonable to compare different players with different cir*****stances, take each player for their own merit. And both of these young men deserve that merit already so early in their respective careers.

The Penguins whether they remain in Pittsburgh or are moved elsewhere(Winnipeg would be nifty) will be a very exciting team to watch in the years to come. Crosby, Whitney, and Ouellet are all proving what they can do and all in their rookie years as well. Fleury is showing what he will soon be as well. Malkin is pretty much a sure thing to make an impact, along with others in the AHL such as Welch and others, a top draft pick in the coming draft added to the proven veterans already present will certainly make this a talent rich team. Patience is all that is needed, nothing is certain in sports but it sure gives hope for a classy organization that has dug itself out great holes in the past to dominate and will surely be a force in the years to come.

THANKS MARIO!!

All I can say is thank you Mr. Lemieux for all of the memories and pretty much thank you for the penguins still in Pittsburgh. My hats are off to you. Now I wish you a happy and timeless retierement. I just wish you could have made it to 700 goals. I do not think it is fair that Lemieux is being compared to the Great One because of his disadvantages. Mario had to overcome cancer and a chronic back. For that matter is should be and could have been the Greatest of ALL TIME!

Yes, Crosby does embellish at times, and yes, he will outgrow it. Recchi did exactly the same thing in his first two seasons, and nobody will remember him for just that. But to claim that particular game as evidence for Crosby diving is ridiculous.