Twenty Years Later: Penguins 4, Red Wings 1 - 12-16-10
"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 defeat of the Red Wings, Dec. 16, 1990.
The Penguins extended their winning streak to three games at the Civic Arena. Defenseman Larry Murphy put the Penguins up 1-0 2:09 into the game with against goaltender Tim Cheveldae. Centers Bryan Trottier and Randy Gilhen recoreded assists.
At 7:37 of the second period, right winger Joe Mullen cashed in off assists from Barry Pederson and defenseman Paul Stanton.
Trottier made it 3-0 at the 13:01 mark of the period. Assists went to Gilhen and right winger Tony Tanti.
Just over a minute later at 14:25, defenseman Paul Coffey gave the Penguins a 4-0 lead off assists from center John Cullen and right winger Mark Recchi.
Late in the period at 18:21, rookie center Sergei Fedorov scored the Red Wings' only goal on a deflection during a power play against goaltender Tom Barrasso. Assists went to defenseman Yves Racine and center Steve Yzerman.
Notes:
-Barrasso earned the win by making 31 saves.
-The three stars were: 1.) Barrasso 2.) Trottier 3.) Gilhen.
-Murphy's goal was his first with the Penguins.
-Trottier's assist was his seventh point in three games.
-In his debut with the Penguins, center Jiri Hrdina recorded three shots and an even plus/minus.
Patrick Division Standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 19-11-5 | 43 |
| Flyers | 19-15-3 | 41 |
| Devils | 16-13-5 | 37 |
| Capitals | 18-16-0 | 36 |
| Penguins | 15-16-3 | 33 |
| Islanders | 11-17-3 | 25 |
Also in the news that day:
-Three field goals by kicker Gary Anderson led the Steelers to a 9-6 win against the Saints at the Superdome in New Orleans.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)