Twenty Years Later - Penguins 3, Capitals 2 - 01-29-11
"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' 3-2 overtime win against the Capitals, Jan. 29, 1991.
The Penguins extended a four-game winning streak at the Civic Arena. Left winger Kelly Miller gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead all of 1:07 into the game when he scored on a backhander against goaltender goaltender Wendell Young. Center Mike Ridley recorded the lone assist.
At 3:04, that duo struck again at Miller scored a shorthanded goal off an assist from Ridley.
The Penguins got on the board at the 11:08 mark when left winger Bob Errey scored against goaltender Don Beaupre. Assists went to center Mario Lemieux and right winger Mark Recchi.
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After a scoreless second period, the Penguins tied the game, 2-2, when Lemieux, playing in his first home game of the season, scored his first goal of the 1990-91 campaign. Rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr recorded the lone assist.
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At 2:46 of overtime, rookie defenseman Paul Stanton won the game with a goal off a wrist shot from the right circle. Assists went to right winger Scott Young and defenseman Zarley Zalapski.
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Notes:
-Wendell Young recorded the win after making 28 saves.
-The three stars were 1.) Lemieux 2.) Miller 3.) Wendell Young.
In the third period, Penguins coach Bob Johnson teamed Jagr, Errey and Lemieux on a line. It was the first time in their careers Lemieux and Jagr were on a line together.
-The win pushed the Penguins ahead of the Flyers for second place in the Patrick Division.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 27-17-8 | 62 |
| Penguins | 2-21-3 | 59 |
| Flyers | 26-22-6 | 58 |
| Devils | 21-21-10 | 52 |
| Capitals | 23-27-3 | 49 |
| Islanders | 18-27-6 | 42 |
Also in the news that day:
-In the first major ground battle of the Gulf War, 12 U.S. Marines were killed near the Al Wafra oil field in Kuwait.