Old man Mario is proving to his many critics that he is still an elite OTHL player despite his age and history of injuries. 12 games into the regular season schedule, approximately 1/7 of the way through the schedule, Mario has a three point lead in the scoring race.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I’ve surprised myself a little with this start,” commented Lemieux. “Our line has really clicked. I was really concerned when Paul (Kariya) didn’t come back here, but Miroslav has stepped in admirably.”
Despite leading the league in points, Lemieux does not lead in either goals or assists, with a very balanced eight goals and 10 assists, a total of 18 points. Mario has continued to show his ability to play within the confines of the rules with just four penalty minutes all season. The future Hall-of-Famer also sits second in the league in plus-minus with an impressive +14 rating.
His eight goals on just 27 shots puts him as the most efficient shooter among all of the top scorers as well with a 29.6 shooting percentage. Not bad for a player who has sometimes been criticized for his pass first mentality.
Lemieux’s point total has to come as a surprise considering the pathetic Philadelphia Flyers powerplay that has been completely unable to produce at a respectable rate despite a formidable cast of characters. Lemieux does not have a single powerplay goal this season, and his linemates only have one between the three of them.
“I don’t know what to say about our powerplay, it’s just been unacceptable. We’re working hard to make it better, but nothing seems to work,” added Lemieux.
Lemieux currently has a dominant lead among all skaters for the player of the month race. His closest rivals are his two linemates.
“It’s the best line in hockey, hands down,” claims GM Matt MacInnis. “They can’t be stopped.”