Lemieux receives numerous gifts, as well as donations to his foundation, before taking the microphone to thank the packed house at Mellon Arena, saying he wants to be remembered by Pittsburgh fans as "somebody who took a last-place team and was able to win a championship seven or eight years later."
At the time, that's likely how they expect to remember Lemieux, who's been worn down by cancer and back problems before retiring at age 32. Instead, after three-plus seasons in retirement, Lemieux, now owner of the Penguins, announces that he will return on Dec. 27, 2000. Wearing his familiar No. 66, Lemieux has
a goal and two assists
against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He finishes the season with 76 points (35 goals, 41 assists) in 43 games and plays until 2006, when he retires for good.