Twenty Years Later: Jets 6, Penguins 2 - 02-08-11
"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' 6-2 loss to the Jets, Feb. 8, 1991.
The Penguins lost their second consecutive game at the Winnipeg Arena. Rookie defenseman Bryan Marchment fired a slap shot from the top of the left circle which hit off the stick of Penguins defenseman Zarley Zalapski and beat goaltender Tom Barrasso 5:02 into the first period to give the Jets a 1-0 lead. The goal was unassisted.
At 14:19, defenseman Phil Housley cashed in on a power play to increase the lead to 2-0. Assists went to former Penguins defenseman Randy Carlyle and right winger Paul MacDermid.
At the 2:04 mark of the second period, right winger Mark Osborne scored off assists from center Ed Olczyk and right winger Pat Elynuik to make it 3-0.
A goal by left winger Brent Ashton off a turnover by defenseman Larry Murphy at 9:08 made it 4-0. Assists were credited to center Thomas Steen and Elynuik.
The Penguins finally got on the board just over two minutes later at 11:19 when right winger Mark Recchi scored a power-play goal on goaltender Bob Essensa. Assists went to defenseman Paul Coffey and center Mario Lemieux.
At 14:22, Elynuik scored to give the Jets a 5-1 lead off an assist from Steen.
Just 1:51 into the third period. MacDermid made it 6-1 with a goal against Wendell Young. Olczyk recorded the lone assist.
The game's final goal was scored by Lemieux at 12:41. Defenseman Gordie Roberts and Recchi were credited with assists.
Notes:
-Barrasso recorded the loss after making 18 saves.
-The three stars were 1.) Essensa 2.) Housley 3.) Steen.
-Marchment's goal was the first of his career.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 29-19-9 | 67 |
| Penguins | 29-24-3 | 61 |
| Flyers | 27-25-6 | 60 |
| Devils | 23-22-10 | 56 |
| Capitals | 26-28-3 | 55 |
| Islanders | 18-30-8 | 44 |
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)