Twenty Years Later - Whalers 3, Penguins 1 - 12-08-10
"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' 3-1 loss to the Whalers, Dec. 8, 1990.
The Penguins extended their winless streak to three games at the Hartford Civic Center.
After a scoreless first period, the Whalers took a 1-0 lead at 11:54. Right winger Scott Young beat goaltender Wendell Young from the slot. Assists when to center Ron Francis and defenseman Adam Burt.
At 2:23 of the third period, center John Cullen tied it 1-1 by putting a backhander past goaltender Daryl Reaugh off an assist by right winger Rob Brown.
Just over three minutes later at 5:54, Burt gave the Whalers the lead for good with a wrist shot from the right circle. Francis recorded the only assist.
Less than two minutes later at 7:50, center Mike Tomlak added an unassisted goal as insurance.
Notes:
-Young took the loss after making 31 saves.
-The three stars were: 1.) Reaugh 2.) Francis 3.) Young.
-Cullen's goal was his 50th point of the season.
-Right winger Mark Recchi had a nine-game scoring streak snapped.
The Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 17-11-5 | 39 |
| Flyers | 17-13-2 | 36 |
| Devils | 16-11-4 | 36 |
| Capitals | 17-15-0 | 35 |
| Penguins | 12-15-3 | 27 |
| Islanders | 9-17-2 | 20 |
Also in the news that day:
-No. 11 Pitt defeated West Virginia, 96-87 in men's basketball at the Fitzgerald Field House. Guard Sean Miller led Pitt with 21 points.
-The NHL's board of governors voted unanimously to place the expansion San Jose Sharks in the Smythe Division.
-Approximately 500 United States hostages were freed from Iraq.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)