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Wednesday, 09 March 2011 16:25

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

"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.

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.

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.

At 11:25, former Whalers right winger Scott Young made it 3-1. Assists went to center Bryan Trottier and left winger Troy Loney.

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.

Stevens scored the Penguins' final goal less than half a minute later at 13:55 off assists from Lemieux and left winger Bob Errey.

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:

(Photos: Penguins Hockey Cards)

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