Twenty Years Later - Capitals 7, Penguins 3 - 11-23-10
"Twenty Years Later" is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2010-11 season. We will examine the Penguins' 1990-91 season which led to the first Stanley Cup title in franchise history. We will look back on games on a particular date and catch up with former players, coaches, executives and media members who were a part or around that team.
Today, we look at the Penguins' 7-3 loss against the Capitals, Nov. 23, 1990.
The Penguins extended a losing streak to three games at the Capital Centre in Landover, Md. Left winger Kelly Miller gave the Capitals an early 1-0 lead 1:57 into the first period by picking up a loose puck and blasting a slapper by goaltender Frank Pietrangelo. Assists when to right winger Peter Bondra and center Michal Pivonka.
The Capitals extended their lead to 2-0 at 8:53 of the period when defenseman Kevin Hatcher scored a shorthanded goal off assists from Mike Ridley and Miller.
The Penguins got on the board with a power play goal by defenseman Paul Coffey who scored on a slapper from the righ circle. Right winger Joe Mullen and Mark Recchi recorded assists.
At 16:18, the Capitals poured it on by collecting three goals in a 21-second span. Pivonka scored on a power play by re-directing a shot by right winger John Druce. Assists went to Druce and Hatcher.
It took all of 11 seconds for the Capitals to cash in again. This time right winger Stephen Leach scored the eventual game-winner. Ridley and defenseman Bob Rouse recorded assists.
Leach managed to cash in again only 10 seconds later by punching a loose puck by Pietrangelo. Once again, assists when to Ridley and Rouse.
The Penguins responded 29 seconds into the second period. Recchi beat goaltender Jim Hrivnak. Coffey recorded the only assist.
Just over three minutes later at 3:39, Ridley made it 6-2 by scoring on goaltender Wendel Young off assists from Leach and defenseman Mike Lalor.
Rouse added a power play goal at 7:53. Center Dale Hunter and Pivonka netted assists.
Recchi scored the game's final goal at 8:23. Defenseman Jim Johnson and center John Cullen were credited with assists.
Notes:
-Pietrangelo took the loss after only making nine saves on 14 shots.
-The three stars were 1.) Ridley 2.) Leach 3.) Hrvinak.
-Young replaced Pietrangelo to start the second period.
-Head coach Bob Johnson told the Post-Gazette, "We just got whipped."
-The Penguins' three-game losing streak was a season-high.
-The Penguins actually out-shot the Capitals, 42-33.
-The Capitals' three-goal, 21-second outburst was the second-fastest collection of three-goals in NHL history.
-Leach set a team record by scoring two goals in 10 seconds.
-Hatcher's shorthanded goal was the first the Penguins had allowed all season.
Also in the news that day:
-Pitt's men's basketball team, ranked 12th in the country, opened its season with a 84-50 rout of Northwest Missouri State at the Fitzgerald Field House. Guards Jason Matthews, Darelle Porter and forward Bobby Martin each scored 14 points for Pitt.