Mario Lemieux spent most of 17 seasons as the Pittsburgh Penguins best player, yet his one record-breaking season ended with a snub.
Mario Lemieux constructed the best season in Pittsburgh Penguins history in 1988-89, and led the league in points and goals, while tying Wayne Gretzky for the league lead in assists. Yet it didn't matter, as Gretzky still ended up winning the Hart Trophy.
The Penguins all-time points leader prior to the 2025-26 season finished 1988-89 with 199 points, 85 goals, and 114 assists, while Gretzky snagged 168 points, 54 goals, and 114 helpers.