NHL: Memo to Mario -- play or stop whining

By Mark Stone

Sportsuperstarz.com Columnist

The NHL welcomed back Mario Lemieux in December with open arms. Right away it was like old times again. The superstar playing in the city where he has flourished, once again gave the league a world-renowned face to hang its hat on. However, according to one league official we spoke with, recent developments may have soured Mario’s storybook return.

Lemieux has recently complained again about back problems and the type of play in the league. He has repeatedly stated that he favors more open ice play and that he feels the league still isn’t offensive minded enough. Lemieux also complained recently about resurfacing back problems and almost sat out the Penguins game against the Florida Panthers. According to one league executive who spoke to Sportsuperstarz.com, enough may be enough.

“Don’t get me wrong, we are thrilled to have the guy back,” said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “The guy is a once in a lifetime player, however he needs to strap it up. You don’t here other world class players complaining about the game we are playing. The guy shouldn’t either.”

Lemieux has played 24 games since his return, not counting the NHL All-Star game in Denver. He has scored 21 goals and passed out 18 assists for 39 points in those games. He has also been instrumental in the resurgence of Jaromir Jagr in the Penguins line-up. However, his recent comments about style of play have upset some according to the official we spoke with.

“Pavel Bure and Peter Forsberg aren’t complaining about the way we play hockey and they are World Class,” said the official. “Yes the guy is a phenomenal player, but we have many more phenomenal players. The guy doesn’t need to suggest how we can make the game better; he knows how the game is. He should just play the game.”

Lemieux returned to the game in December saying that he was much more impressed with how the game was being played. However, once back on the ice, he quickly made several moves to make Pittsburgh a more defensive minded team. He said following the moves that the league was still primarily based on defense.

“The guy knew how the game was when he came back,” stated the official. “Hockey is still a defense based game and it will always be. That is why we don’t play 10-8 games. The guy knew how everything was before he came back. We are thrilled to have him back, but the attitude is not what we wanted.”

The NHL may have to put up with it however. As long as the league continues it’s current style of play, it looks like Mario will continue letting them know what he thinks. As any superstar would.

Article courtesy of Sportsuperstarz.com