Twenty Years Later - Islanders 4, Penguins 3 - 02-16-11

"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' 4-3 loss to the Islanders, Feb. 16, 1991.

The Penguins lost the second half of a home and home series at Nassau Coliseum. A goal by center Mario Lemieux 7:41 into the game against goaltender Glenn Healy gave them a 1-0 lead. Assists went to right wingers Mark Recchi and Jaromir Jagr.

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Only 15 second into the second period, center Ray Ferraro scored against goaltender Tom Barrasso to tie the game, 1-1. Right winger Paul Guay had the lone assist.

At the 6:02 mark, Recchi scored his 30th goal of the season to make it 2-1 off assists from center John Cullen and left winger Phil Bourque.

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The Islanders responded at 14:58 to tie the game once again, 2-2. Right winger Patrick Flatley scored on a power play off assists from center Pat LaFontaine and defenseman Jeff Norton.

At the 4:29 mark of the third, Jagr scored on a power play to give the Penguins a 3-2 lead. Defenseman Paul Coffey and Recchi had the assists.

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LaFontaine tied the game, 3-3, at 6:27 off assists from left wing Bill Berg and defenseman Craig Ludwig.

Flatley scored the game-winner at the 12:57 mark. Assists were credited to center Brent Sutter and left winger Brad Lauer.

Notes:

-Barrasso made 41 saves and recorded the loss.

-The three stars were 1.) Flatley 2.) Recchi 3.) LaFontaine.

Patrick Division standings:

(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)