Fans wait to get into Mellon Arena to see Lemieux's return against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Dec. 27.

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Who knew what would happen when Lemieux climbed onto the ice for his first NHL game in 3½ years?

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Lemieux scores on Leafs goalie Curtis Joseph in the second period for his first goal in 3½ years.

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Lemieux notched his 882nd career assist on his first shift, and Jaromir Jagr's goal.

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Lemieux jump-started the Penguins, who were 0-6-1 in their seven home games before his return.

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A sign over I-376 heading into Pittsburgh welcomes Lemieux back to Mellon Arena on Dec. 27.

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Even prior to his historic comeback, Lemieux's image in a Penguins uniform reflected greatness.

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The 1996 game in Boston was the last one Jaromir Jagr and Mario Lemieux played in together.

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Wayne Gretzky and Lemieux – The Great One and The Magnificent One – played their last All-Star Game together in 1997.

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Mario Lemieux passes the torch to Eric Lindros, then considered to be "The Next One," after his final game – April 26, 1997.

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Lemieux officially became a player-owner on Dec. 19 when he participated in his first practice.

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Lemieux led the Penguins to their first Cup in 1991, beating the North Stars in six games.

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The Penguins won their second Stanley Cup in 1992 by sweeping the Chicago Blackhawks.

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After a playoff-high of 16 goals and 34 points, Mario Lemieux earned his second Conn Smythe Trophy in 1992.

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Alexei Kovalev (27) and Kevin Stevens (25) congratulate Lemieux (C) on his hat trick against Montreal on Jan. 24.

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Lemieux takes a practice shot at goaltender Rich Parent near the end of his first practice on Dec. 19.

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Mario Lemieux officially became a player-owner on Dec. 19 when he participated in his first practice in over three years.

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