Twenty Years Later - Blackhawks 4, Penguins 1 - 12-11-10
"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' 4-1 loss to the Blackhawks, Dec. 11, 1990.
The Penguins extended their non-winning streak to four games with a loss at the Civic Arena. Late in the first period at 19:30, left winger Kevin Stevens gave the Penguins their only lead by putting a backhander behind goaltender Ed Belfour. Assists went to defenseman Peter Taglianetti and goaltender Frank Pietrangelo.
At 15:51: of the second period, center Troy Murray tied it, 1-1, off assists from defenseman Frantisek Kucera and left winger Steve Thomas.
Murray got his second goal at 8:22 of the third period and made it 2-1 off a turnover by defenseman Paul Coffey. Assists were credited to left winger Dirk Graham and Thomas.
Just over two minutes later at 10:49, right winger Steve Larmer scored off an assist from defenseman Chris Chelios.
The Blackhawks made it 4-1 at the 12:54 mark when right winger Mike McNeil scored a short-handed goal against goaltneder Wendell Young. Center Mike Hudson recorded the only assist.
Notes:
-Pietrangelo recorded the loss after making 25 saves.
-The three stars were 1.) Murray, 2.) Larmer 3.) Thomas.
-The Penguins fell to 1-6-1 in their last eight games at the Civic Arena.
-Pietrangelo was ejected from the game by referee Kerry Fraser. Following Larmer's goal, Pietrangelo received a 10-minute misconduct for arguing interference. When Fraser issue that penalty, Pietrangelo broke his stick over the goal. That prompted Fraser to issue a game misconduct penalty.
-Taglianetti and defenseman Larry Murphy made their debuts with the Penguins. Earlier in the day, they were acquired in a deal which sent defensemen Chris Dahlquist and Jim Johnson to the North Stars. Murphy and Taglianetti each recorded a shot and an even plus/minus in their debuts.
-Coffey left the game in the second period due to a hand injury.
The Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 18-11-5 | 41 |
| Flyers | 18-14-2 | 38 |
| Capitals | 18-15-0 | 36 |
| Devils | 16-12-4 | 36 |
| Penguins | 12-16-3 | 27 |
| Islanders | 9-18-2 | 20 |
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)