Twenty Years Later: Penguins 6, Sabres 3 - 02-18-11
"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 defeat of the Islanders, Feb. 19, 1991.
The Penguins extended a home winning streak to eight games at the Civic Arena. Right winger Mark Recchi put the Penguins up 1-0 at the 17:25 mark of the first period with a goal against goaltender Darren Puppa. Assists went to center Mario Lemieux and left winger Bob Errey.
At 10:07 of the second, left winger Kevin Stevens scored on a power play to make it 2-0. Lemieux and defenseman Paul Coffey collected assists.
Just under four minutes later at 13:54, left winger Phil Bourque scored an unassisted shorthanded goal to make it 3-0.
Errey collected the eventual game-winning goal at 15:41 off assists from defenseman Gordie Roberts and Lemieux.
Rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr made it 5-0 with his 20th goal of the season. Recchi and Lemieux were credited with assists.
At the 19:43, the Sabres finally got on the scored board when center Christian Ruutu beat former Sabres goaltender Tom Barrasso on a power play. Assists went to center Dale Hawerchuk and defenseman Uwe Krupp.
Center Bryan Trottier scored the Penguins' final goal at the 3:12 mark against goaltender Darcy Wakaluk. Assists were credited to left winger Troy Loney and center Randy Gilhen.
Less than half a minute later at 3:38, left winger Dave Andreychuk scored the Sabres' second goal. Krupp and left winger Mikko Makela had assists.
Left winger Benoit Hogue scored the game's final goal at the 13:55 mark. Andreychuk had the lone assist.
Notes:
-Barrasso made 38 saves and recorded the win.
-The three stars were 1.) Lemieux 2.) Recchi 3.) Barrasso.
-The Penguins were one win short of tying the franchise record for consecutive home victories.
-Recchi (89 points) passed up center John Cullen (87) for the team lead in scoring.
-Sabres defenseman and former Penguin Doug Bodger left the game after suffering a separated shoulder in the third period following a collision with Penguins center Jiri Hrdina.
-Penguins general manager announced he would serve as the general manager of Team USA in the upcoming Canada Cup.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 31-21-9 | 71 |
| Penguins | 31-26-3 | 65 |
| Flyers | 29-27-6 | 64 |
| Devils | 25-25-11 | 61 |
| Capitals | 27-31-3 | 57 |
| Islanders | 21-32-8 | 50 |
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)