Since bursting onto the NHL scene in 1990-91, Jaromir Jagr always viewed his longtime teammate Mario Lemieux as a teacher. According to Jagr, it was Lemieux who really taught him how to play hockey.

Well, tonight, appropriately in Pittsburgh, the student and teacher will face off against one another for the first time.

The Penguins traded Jagr to the Capitlas for a trio of prospects as a cost-cutting measure on July 11, 2001. But, due to Lemieux's health issues, the master and his star pupil never played against one another last season. Even without Super Mario, though, the Penguins got the best of their former star and his new club, going 2-0-2 against the Caps in 2001-02.

Perhaps it was best that the two hockey legends didn't skate against one another last year, as neither was playing up to their capabilities. Lemieux battled injuries from opening night, saving just enough to fulfill his Olympic dream. Jagr, meanwhile, struggled to fit in with his new team. Only after the Olympic break did the real Jagr turn up in D.C.

This year, both the 37-year-old Lemieux and the 30-year-old Jagr have started in top form. Lemieux, who will playing his third game in four nights on Monday (he even practiced on the off day), leads the league with 14 assists and 18 points. Most importantly, though, Lemieux appears as healthy as he's been years.

Jagr, who (so far) is getting along with new coach Bruce Cassidy, leads the Caps with six goals and 10 points. Those around the club say he seems much more comfortable this season.

So, will the teacher school his prize pupil or will this special student have a lesson for the professor? With the Caps finishing a season-long, eight-game road trip, I'll take my chances with Lemieux, who won't want to be shown up on home ice. Either way, it will be a little different to watch No. 66 and No. 68 on the same rink, with different sweaters.

By the way ...