If you have been a Penguins fan long enough, you likely do not need a reminder why December 27th is such a significant date in Pittsburgh Penguins history. Mario Lemieux, the greatest player in franchise history, returned to the ice for the first time since retiring from the game over three years earlier.
Rumors of Lemieux’s return to the ice began to arise in the weeks leading up to his comeback when he was spotted working out with former Penguins teammate Jay Caulfield. Those rumors soon became reality on December 27, 2000 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Mellon Arena in Pittsburgh where Mario returned to the ice.