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The Penguins, hockey and more, by the PG's Seth Rorabaugh. |
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Empty Netters
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 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 talk with former Penguins right winger Joe Mullen.
A member of the 1989 Stanley Cup champion Flames, Mullen was one of the few members of the 1991 Stanley Cup championship Penguins who had previously won the title. Unlike most of his teammates, Mullen was familiar with having to defend a championship.
The 1991-92 season proved to be one of the best in Mullen's spectacular career as he scored 42 goals and 87 points. A knee injury to just nine games and four points in the postseason but he still ended up holding the Stanley Cup in Chicago Stadium, June, 1, 1992.
Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000, "Slippery Rock Joe" is currently an assistant coach with the Flyers.
Is it hard to believe it's been two decades since the Penguins' first two Stanley Cup titles?
"It does seem hard to believe it's 20 (years). Time has gone by fast. You look back at your career and see how that went by. The time after has gone as quick, if not quicker."
How difficult was it watching former head coach "Badger" Bob Johnson struggle with brain cancer and ultimately pass away early in the season?
"It's really sad. He had great enthusiasm for the game. He brought that enthusiasm right to the team and into the locker room and the way we played every night.You can't replace a guy like that. You wish he had more time to enjoy winning the Stanley Cup than he did."
You had back to back four-goal games while playing on a line with Mario Lemieux and Kevins Stevens in December. Where does that rank in your career accomplishments?
"That was definitely a highlight. It's not not too often guys have gotten back-to-back four-goal games. It was a nice thing to happen during my career."
What did the February trade which brought in Rick Tocchet, Kjell Samuelsson and Ken Wregget do for the team?
"They definitely provided strength and security for us. They were all good hockey players, all three. We needed Kenny that year. Kjell did a great job on the back end. And (Tocchet) clicked with Mario and Kevin Stevens right away."
You were injured in the second round of the playoffs against the Rangers and weren't able to finish the postseason. Was that disappointing?
"Always. Anytime you get injured, it's frustrating. It's hard to feel a part of it once your sitting out and watching. It's very frustrating. "
Do you rank or rate the 1992 Stanley Cup championship versus the others you won?
"No. They're all the same. They don't come along too often. When they do, you got to enjoy them."
(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)
