Penguins fans cheer Lemieux in attendance for Game 5

Hockey Hall of Fame forward shows up for Steel City in pivotal game vs. Flyers

Mario Lemieux salué au Centre Bell
By Dan O'Leary
@DanOLeary25 NHL.com Staff Writer

Mario Lemieux always showed up for the Pittsburgh Penguins big games during his playing days, so why would Monday night be any different?

The Hockey Hall of Fame forward showed up for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Philadelphia Flyers at PPG Paints Arena.

Lemieux played all 17 of his stellar NHL seasons in the Steel City, leading the team to two Stanley Cup championships. 

Understandably, Penguins fans were happy to see him when he was shown on the scoreboard.

No. 66 gave a wave and a thumbs up to the adoring fans.

The one they call Super Mario was inducted into the Hockey Hall immediately upon his retirement in 1997 with the mandatory three-year waiting period waved. His career included two Conn Smythe trophies, three Hart trophies for most valuable player, six Art Ross trophies as the League's top scorer and the 1985 Calder given to the best rookie following his 100-point first season.

Only six other rookies have scored 100 points in their debut season, including Lemieux's former teammate and current Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

Short Shifts

MLB’s Springer rocks full hockey gear for practice

Celebrities, sports stars cheer on teams during Stanley Cup playoffs

Kopitar applauded by teammates, fans, even referees after final NHL game

Canadiens legend Savard lights the torch at Game 4

Flyers forward Dvorak makes stunning skate save in Game 4

St. Louis reveals his comfort TV show: 'Seinfeld makes me disconnect'

Canadiens legend Cournoyer carries torch into Bell Centre for Game 3

Youppi gifts Caufield’s dad Canadiens hats before Game 3 of Eastern 1st Round

Short Shifts Power Rankings: April 24

Ferrell, Smith support Kings in Game 3 of West 1st Round

Ovechkin attends Hershey Bears Calder Cup playoff game

Thompson taking in ‘bananas’ postseason so far

Vikings wide receiver Jefferson kicks off Game 3 in Minnesota

Shane Gillis ‘ignites the orange’ before Game 3

Josh Allen fires up Sabres fans before Game 2

Devils surprise Mehta with Starter jacket he wore as teen

Angels’ Neto rocks Ducks jersey before baseball game

Bruins legend Chara fires starting gun at Boston Marathon