Twenty Years Later: Penguins 4, Sabres 3
"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' 4-3 defeat of the Sabres, Dec. 14, 1990.
The Penguins won their second game in as many nights at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorum. Center Bryan Trottier gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 14:23 of the first period by putting a backhander by goaltender Darren Puppa. Assists went to right winger Tony Tanti and left winger Troy Loney.
The Sabres responded less than half a minute later at 14:47 with a goal by right winger Dave Snuggerud against goaltender Frank Pietrangelo. Defenseman Uwe Krupp recorded the only assist.
Buffalo took a 2-1 lead at the 16:29 mark with a goal by defenseman Greg Brown off assists by right winger Alexander Mogilny and left winger Dave Andreychuk.
The Penguins tied the game again, 2-2, off a power-play goal by Tanti off a rebound. Assists went to defenseman Paul Coffey and Trottier.
At 9:15 of the second, center Barry Pederson put the Penguins up 3-2 by scoring on goaltender Clint Malarchuk off a rebound. Defenseman Larry Murphy and right winger Joe Mullen were credited with assists.
Exactly two minutes later at 11:15, Andreychuk tied it, 3-3 on a power play. Defenseman Doug Bodger and right winger Rick Vaive had assists.
At 6:57 of the third, Mullen netted the game-winning goal by re-directing a slapper by defenseman Paul Stanton. Assists went to Stanton and left winger Kevin Stevens.
Notes:
-Pietrangelo made 28 saves to record the win.
-The three stars were: 1.) Mullen 2.) Tanti 3.) Andreychuk.
-Murphy's assist was his first point with the Penguins.
Patrick Division Standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 18-11-5 | 41 |
| Flyers | 18-14-3 | 39 |
| Capitals | 18-15-0 | 36 |
| Devils | 16-13-4 | 36 |
| Penguins | 14-16-3 | 31 |
| Islanders | 10-17-3 | 23 |
Also in the news that day:
-Former Pirates pitcher Ted Power joined the Reds as a free agent. The right-hander had a 1-3 record with a 3.60 ERA and seven saves for the 1990 National League Eastern Division champions.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)