Twenty Years Later - Bruins 6, Penguins 3 - 02-03-11
"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' 6-3 loss to the Bruins, Feb. 3, 1991.
The Penguins dropped the second half of a home-and-home series with the Bruins at Boston Garden. Right winger Dave Christian gave the Bruins a 1-0 lead 13:13 into the game with a five on three power play goal against goaltender Frank Pietrangelo. Assists went to defenseman Raymond Bourque and center Craig Janney.
At 7:03 of the second period, center Ken Hodge, Jr. made it 2-0 off assists from right winger Cam Neely and defenseman Allen Pedersen.
Defenseman Randy Hillier scored his first goal of the season against goaltender Norm Foster at 14:54 to get the Penguisn on the board. Assists were credited to defenseman Paul Coffey and center Barry Pederson.
The Bruins cashed in on another power play at 1:39 of the third period when defenseman Glen Wesley scored against goaltender Wendell Young. Bourque recorded the lone assist.
Another power play goal by Neely at 4:50 proved to be the game-winner. Janney and Bourque had assists.
Rookie center Ralph Barahona scored at 7:51 to give Boston a 5-1 lead. Neely and left winger Jeff Lazaro netted assists.
At the 9:39 mark, right winger Tony Tanti scored to make it 5-2. Assists went to center Jiri Hrdina and rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr.
Barahona scored again at 13:00 to make it 6-2. Right winger Peter Douris and former Penguins left winger Andy Brickley had assists.
The game's final goal came from Penguins right winger Mark Recchi at 13:47 off an assist from Coffey.
Notes:
-Pietrangelo recorded the loss after making 21 saves. He left due to an groin in the second period.
-The three stars were 1.) Bourque 2.) Neely 3.) Barahona.
-Center Mario Lemieux sat out due to a groin injury.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 27-19-9 | 63 |
| Penguins | 29-23-3 | 61 |
| Flyers | 27-23-6 | 60 |
| Devils | 22-22-10 | 54 |
| Capitals | 24-28-3 | 51 |
| Islanders | 18-28-8 | 44 |
Also in the news that day:
-Cornerback Anthony Dorsett, Jr., the son of former Pitt star and Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett, committed to his father's alma mater.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)