Twenty Years Later - Penguins 5, Whalers 2 - 03-09-11
"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 win against the Whalers, March 8, 1991.
The Penguins extended a winning streak to three games at the Hartford Civic Center. It was the first game between the two teams since a blockbuster trade five days earlier which brought defensemen Grant Jennings, Ulf Samuelsson and Ron Francis to Pittsburgh in exchange for center John Cullen, right winger Jeff Parker and defenseman Zarley Zalapski.
Center Mario Lemieux gave the Penguins an early 1-0 lead 1:29 into game with a goal against goaltender Kay Whitmore. Left winger Kevin Stevens recorded the only assist.
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The Whalers tied it 1-1 at the 4:03 mark of the first period with an unassisted goal by right winger Mark Hunter against goaltender Tom Barrasso.
Just over a minute later at 5:19, rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr put the Penguins up 5-2. Assists went to center Jiri Hrdina and Barrasso.
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At 11:25, former Whalers right winger Scott Young made it 3-1. Assists went to center Bryan Trottier and left winger Troy Loney.
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After a scoreless second period, right winger Mark Recchi made it 4-1 with a goal at 13:33 of the third. Francis got an assist against his former team as did left winger Phil Bourque.
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Stevens scored the Penguins' final goal less than half a minute later at 13:55 off assists from Lemieux and left winger Bob Errey.
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Cullen scored the game's final goal at the 19:07 mark. Left winger Pat Verbeek recorded the lone assist.
Notes:
-Barrasso made 23 saves to record the win.
-The three stars were 1.) Stevens 2.) Young 3.) Samuelsson.
-Penguins defenseman Paul Coffey did not play due to an injured hip. He had a streak of 189 consecutive games played snapped.
-One of the goal lights was malfunctioning. That forced a goal judge to hold up a white towel anytime a goal was scored.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 34-24-12 | 80 |
| Penguins | 35-30-4 | 74 |
| Flyers | 31-30-9 | 71 |
| Devils | 28-29-12 | 68 |
| Capitals | 30-32-6 | 66 |
| Islanders | 23-38-9 | 55 |
(Photos: Penguins Hockey Cards)