Twenty Years Later - Penguins 4, Islanders 3 - 03-10-11
"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 win against the Islanders, March 10, 1991.
The Penguins extended a winning streak to four games at Nassau Coliseum. Center John Tucker gave the Islanders a 1-0 lead 4:44 into the game with a goal against goaltender Tom Barrasso. Left winger Ken Baumgartner had the lone assist.
At the 11:08 mark, left winger Troy Loney tied it, 1-1, by beating goaltender Jeff Hackett. Assists went to center Ron Francis and right winger Mark Recchi.
Defenseman Peter Taglianetti put the Penguins up 2-1 at 9:09 of the second period. Left winger Bob Errey and defenseman Gordie Roberts netted assists.
The Islanders tied it just over a minute later at 10:28 with a goal by cneter Hubie McDonough off an assist by Tucker.
Tucker gave the Islanders a 3-2 lead with a power-play goal at the 6:22 mark of the third. Defenseman Gary Nylund and center Pat LaFontaine were credited with assists.
Taglianetti tied the game again, 3-3 at 14:21 off assists from Loney and rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr.
Recchi scored the game-winning goal at 15:34. Left winger Phil Bourque had the only assist.
Notes:
-Barrasso made 23 saves to record the win.
-The three stars were 1.) Tucker 2.) Taglianetti 3.) Recchi.
-Center Mario Lemieux had a 14-game scoring streak snapped.
-Defensemen Paul Coffey (hip), Larry Murphy (foot) and center Jiri Hrdina (foot) missed the game.
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Rangers | 34-25-12 | 80 |
| Penguins | 36-30-4 | 76 |
| Flyers | 31-30-9 | 71 |
| Capitals | 31-32-6 | 68 |
| Devils | 28-30-12 | 68 |
| Islanders | 23-39-9 | 55 |
Also in the news that day:
-Seedings and matchups for the first round of the NCAA tournament were announced. No. 6 Pitt would face No. 11 Georgia. No. 13 Penn State would face No. 4 UCLA. And No. 15 St. Francis, Pa. would face No. Arizona.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)