Twenty Years Later - Penguins 6, Rangers 5 - 05-09-12

"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' 6-5 overtime win against the Rangers in Game 4 of a Patrick Division final series, May 9, 1992.

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The Penguins tied the series, 2-2. Former Penguins center Randy Gilhen gave New York a 1-0 lead 4:56 into the game with an unassisted goal against goaltender Tom Barrasso.

At 13:04 of the first period, rookie right winger Tony Amonte gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead with a goal. The lone assist was recorded by right winger Mike Gartner.

Less than half a minute later at 13:28, rookie right winger Mike Needham put the Penguins on the scoreboard with a goal against goaltender Mike Richter. Assists went to left winger Troy Loney and right winger Jock Callendar.

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A power-play goal by center Mark Messier at 10:49 of the second period gave New York a 3-1 lead. Defenseman Brian Leetch and Gartner were credited with assists.

Center Ron Francis responded with his own power-play goal late in the period at the 19:54 mark off assists from left winger Kevin Stevens and defenseman Paul Stanton.

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Just 46 seconds into the third period, Messier restored the two-goal lead for New York with a goal. Amonte and defenseman Jeff Beukeboom.

Nearly 10 minutes later at 10:27, Francis scored again with a slap shot from the neutral zone off assists from center Jiri Hrdina and Stevens to make it a 4-3 game.

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At 11:52, a goal by Loney tied the game, 4-4. Assists were credited to right winger Jaromir Jagr and defenseman Larry Murphy.

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In overtime, a power-play goal by Francis against goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck completed his hat trick and won the game. Murphy and Stevens had assists.

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Notes:

-Barrasso made 26 saves in the win.

-The three stars were 1.) Francis 2.) Messier 3.) Stevens.

-Penguins right winger Rick Tocchet (shoulder) and defenseman Kjelll Samuelsson (wrist) each returned to the lineup after missing several games due to injuries.

-Messier returned to the lineup after missing two games due to a back injury.

-Francis' hat trick was the fourth in the franchise's postseason history.

-Needham's goal was the first of his NHL career.

-Rangers right winger Adam Graves served the first game of a four-game suspension for a slash which broke the wrist of Penguins center Mario Lemieux in Game 2.

Statisitics:

Player Position	Games Played	Goals	Assists	Points
Mario Lemieux, C	8	7	12	19
Kevin Stevens, LW	11	7	10	17
Ron Francis, C	11	6	10	16
Larry Murphy, D	11	5	6	11
Jaromir Jagr, RW	11	3	8	11
Troy Loney, LW	11	3	2	5
Phil Bourque, LW	11	2	3	5
Joe Mullen, RW	9	3	1	4
Bryan Trottier, C	11	2	2	4
Paul Stanton, D	11	0	4	4
Shawn McEachern, C	9	0	3	3
Bob Errey, LW	11	2	0	2
Rick Tocchet, RW	4	0	2	2
Mike Needham, RW	2	1	0	1
Jock Callender, RW	2	0	1	1
Gordie Roberts, D	8	0	1	1
Kjell Samuelsson, D	5	0	1	1
Jim Paek, D	9	0	1	1
Jiri Hrdina, C	11	0	1	1
Ulf Samuelsson, D	11	0	1	1
Jay Caufield, LW	9	0	0	0
Grant Jennings, D	10	0	0	0

Also in the news that day:

-Andy Moog made 26 saves for the Bruins in a 2-0 shutout of the rival Canadiens in Game 4 of the Adams Division final at the Boston Garden. The Bruins swept the series, 4-0.

-Pitcher Zane Smith recorded two strikeout and allowed seven hits over nine innings in a 3-0 shutout of the Astros at Three Rivers Stadium.

(Photos: Penguins Hockey Cards; Video: Jay Korber)