Twenty Years Later: Devils 4, Penguins 2 - 10-24-11
"Twenty Years Later" is a segment with a highly unimaginative name which will appear on Empty Netters throughout the 2011-12 season. We will examine the Penguins' 1991-92 season which led to the second 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' 4-2 loss against the Devils, Oct. 24, 1991.
The Penguins extended a winless streak to three games at the Civic Arena. Defenseman Paul Coffey put the Penguins up 1-0 with a power-play goal against goaltender Chris Terreri 5:42 into the game. Assists went to left winger Kevin Stevens and defenseman Larry Murphy.
New Jersey responded less than a minute later when center Peter Stastny scored on a power play against goaltender Tom Barrasso at 6:32 of the first period. Defenseman Bruce Driver and right winger Claude Lemieux recorded assists.
Left winger David Maley gave the Devils a 2-1 lead at 14:20 on a five-on-three power play off assists from Stastny and defenseman Eric Weinrich.
Center Kevin Todd scored the eventual game-winning goal and made it 3-1 at 5:01 of the second period. Left winger Claude Vilgrain and right winger Doug Brown were credited with assists.
Center Ken Priestlay scored the Penguins' second goal at 11:12 of the third period off assists from left winger Bob Errey and Coffey.
Left winger Tom Chorske scored the game's final goal at the 13:56 mark. Assists went to Weinrich and center Laurie Boschman.
Notes:
-Barrasso recorded the loss after making 15 saves.
-The three stars were 1.) Terreri 2.) Stastny 3.) Coffey.
-Coffey tied Islanders great Denis Potvin's career record for goals by a defenseman at 310.
-Center Mario Lemieux missed his second consecutive game due to back and hip ailments.
-Right winger Jay Caufield and center Glenn Mulvenna each made their season debuts.
-Left winger Jeff Daniels was demoted to Muskegon of the IHL.
Statistics:
| Player Position |
Games Played |
Goals | Assists | Points |
| Mario Lemieux, C | 7 | 5 | 8 | 13 |
| Paul Coffey, D | 9 | 3 | 9 | 12 |
| Jaromir Jagr, RW | 9 | 3 | 7 | 11 |
| Kevin Stevens, LW | 9 | 3 | 7 | 10 |
| Joe Mullen, RW | 9 | 4 | 5 | 9 |
| Larry Murphy, D | 9 | 2 | 7 | 9 |
| Phil Bourque, LW | 9 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Mark Recchi, RW | 9 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Bob Errey, LW | 9 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Bryan Trottier, C | 9 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Jiri Hrdina, C | 9 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| Troy Loney, LW | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Gordie Roberts, D | 9 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Ulf Samuelsson, D | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Ken Priestlay, C | 9 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Paul Stanton, D | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Jim Paek, D | 7 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Jay Caufield, RW | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Glenn Mulvenna, C | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jamie Leach, RW | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jeff Daniels, LW | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Grant Jennings, D | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Peter Taglianetti, D | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Patrick Division standings:
| Record | Points | |
| Capitals | 8-1-0 | 16 |
| Devils | 6-4-0 | 12 |
| Rangers | 6-5-0 | 12 |
| Penguins | 4-3-2 | 10 |
| Flyers | 2-4-2 | 6 |
| Islanders | 2-4-2 | 6 |
Also in the news that day:
-Outfielder David Justice went 2 for 5 with a home run and five RBIs for the Braves in a 14-5 defeat of the Twins in Game 5 of the World Series in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The Braves took a 3-2 series lead.
-Science fiction writer Gene Roddenberry, creator of the "Star Trek" series, passed away at the age of 70.
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)