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Lemieux will lift Jagr's game
Updated: Friday December 29, 2000 7:43 AM
Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber spoke with CNN/Sports Illustrated anchor Fred Hickman on Wednesday's Sports Tonight about Mario Lemieux's return to the ice. Fred Hickman: Sports Illustrated's Michael Farber joins us from the Igloo. How far away is Mario Lemieux from being back in game shape? The Penguins have another game Saturday against Ottawa. How long should we expect before Mario is ready to go? Michael Farber: After the game, I talked to Jay Caulfield, who has been doing Mario's training, and Caulfield told me Mario is at about 80 percent. But Mario at 80 percent is better than 99 percent of the other players. Mario can slow the game down and make the game come to him, and he produces points. Mario has been far more spectacular than he was in tonight's return, but my goodness … He had three points -- including a great goal. Fred Hickman: How are the guys in the locker room reacting to Mario's return? Michael Farber: Well, you better love your owner. It's big trouble if you don't. Mario is going to make the Penguins a better team, and he might make them some playoff money. So yes, they like Mario a whole lot. And you noticed how great Jagr played [Wednesday night]. This is key because Mario is just going to lift Jagr's game up. The Penguins on the power play are going to be unbelievable, and the effect is going to snowball through that team. It looks very good for Pittsburgh. Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael Farber covers the NHL beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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