Twenty Years Later - Devils 5, Penguins 2 - 02-22-11
"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' 5-2 loss to the Devils, Feb. 22, 1991.
The Penguins extended a road losing streak to six games at Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, N.J. Right winger Doug Brown put the Devils up 1-0 1:41 into the game with a goal against goaltender Tom Barrasso. Left wingers David Maley and Pat Conacher had assists.
Less than three minutes later at 4:32, left winger Brendan Shanahan increased the lead to 2-0 with a goal off assists from right winger John MacLean and defenseman Bruce Driver.
The Penguins got on the scoreboard when defenseman Larry Murphy scored on a power play at the 17:12 mark against goaltender Chris Terreri off assists from center Jiri Hrdina and rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr.
Defenseman Alexei Kasatonov scored the eventual game-winning goal at 5:44 of the second period. Right winger Claude Lemieux had the lone assist.
Less than three minutes later, Lemieux scored on a power play to make it 4-1. Assists were credited to defenseman Tommy Abelin and Kasatonov.
Brown scored again at 16:21 to make it 5-1 off assists from Conacher and Driver.
At the 9:21 of the third period, Center John Cullen scored the game's final goal on a power play. Assists were credited to left winger Kevin Stevens and defenseman Zarley Zalapski.
Notes:
-Barrasso recorded the loss after making 24 saves.
-The Three stars were: 1.) Brown 2.) Lemieux 3.) Terreri.
-Penguins center Mario Lemieux missed the game due to a bruised left foot.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 31-22-10 | 72 |
| Penguins | 32-27-3 | 67 |
| Flyers | 29-27-7 | 65 |
| Devils | 26-25-11 | 63 |
| Capitals | 28-31-3 | 59 |
| Islanders | 21-33-8 | 50 |
(Photos: Penguins Hockey Cards)