The Second Coming
On December 27, 2000 Mario returned to the Mellon Arena as a player. As his four-year-old son Austin, who is also heir to his crown, looked on, the banner bearing his number was lowered from the rafters. It was offical, Mario the Magnificent had returned! It didn't take him long to make his presence known. 34 seconds into the contest he set up Jagar for the first goal of a 5-0 victory. It took him longer to score his own goal, but when it came it brought a sellout crowd to its feet. In classic Mario style he had said to the NHL and Pittsburgh "I'm here and no one messes with me or my team." Although he no longer wears the C Mario is still the team leader. He took a team that was once again on the brink of disaster and gave them the prospect of regaining the title of champions. This year however it was not to be. After the first two rounds, a four games to two victory over the Washington Capitals and a four to three victory over the Buffolo Sabers the Pens were tired and although they put up a good fight the defending champion New Jersey Devils were too much to handle. No fear Pittsburgh we'll get it next year. |
