Twenty Years Later - Penguins 5, Red Wings 0 - 12-28-10
"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' 5-0 defeat of the Red Wings, Dec. 28, 1990.
The Penguins earned their first shutout of the season at the Civic Arena. Center Randy Gilhen kicked off the scoring and gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead at the 8:30 mark of the first period with a goal off a two on one against goaltender Tim Cheveldae. Assists went to rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr and left winger Phil Bourque.
At 4:37 of the second, right winger Mark Recchi improved the lead to 2-0 off assists from defenseman Paul Coffey and Gilhen.
Less than half a minute later at 5:02, right winger Scott Young scored to make it 3-0. Coffey and center Bryan Trottier were credited with assists.
Gilhen made it 4-0 at the 7:52 mark off an assist from left winger Bob Errey.
Center Jiri Hrdina scored his first goal as a Penguin at 13:13 off a rebound from a shot by left winger Kevin Stevens. Assists went Stevens and defenseman Zarley Zalapski.
Notes:
-Tom Barrasso made 27 saves to earn his first shutout as a Penguin.
-The three stars were: 1.) Barrass 2.) Gilhen 3.) Coffey
-The shutout was the first for the Penguins since Nov. 14, 1989.
-Gilhen's two goals were a career high.
-Jagr extended a scoring streak to six games.
-Trottier recorded his 1,370th career point and moved past former Red Wings and Bruins left winger John Bucyk for sixth place on the NHL's career scoring list.
Patrick Division Standings
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 21-13-6 | 48 |
| Devils | 19-13-7 | 45 |
| Flyers | 20-17-5 | 45 |
| Penguins | 20-17-3 | 43 |
| Capitals | 18-21-1 | 37 |
| Islanders | 13-18-5 | 31 |
Also in the news that day:
-Penn State lost to Florida State, 24-17, in the innagural Blockbuster Bowl at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami. Florida State coach Bobby Bowden won for the first time in seven games against Penn State's Joe Paterno.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)