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Sunday, 17 April 2011 11:00

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' 4-2 loss against the Capitals in Game 1 of the Patrick Division final, April 17, 1991.

At the 6:07 mark of the second period, defenseman Calle Johansson tied the game with another power-play goal against goaltender Frank Pietrangelo. Defenseman Kevin Hatcher netted the lone assist.

Just over seven minutes later, center Mario Lemieux put the Penguins back up, 2-1, by scoring on yet another power play. Assists went to left wingers Phil Bourque and Kevin Stevens.

Just 1:37 into the third period, Hatcher scored again on a power play to tie the game, 2-2. Johansson and center Michal Pivonka were credited with assists.

Late in regulation at 15:31, defenseman Al Iafrate's goal proved to be the game-winner. Assists went to left winger Dmitri Kristisch and center Mike Ridley.

An empty-net goal by left winger Kelly Miller at 19:10 sealed the win. Ridley and defenseman Rod Langway had assists.

Notes:

-Pietrangelo made 24 saves in the victory.

-The three stars were 1.) Iafrate 2.) Hatcher 3.) Murphy.

-After only getting two power play goals on 27 chances against the Rangers in their their Patrick Division semifinal series, the Capitals were able to go 2 for 4 with the man advantage in Game 1.

Also in the news that day:

-Two goals by right winger Cam Neely led the Bruins to a 2-1 win against the rival Canadiens in Game 1 of the Adams Division final at the Boston Garden.

-Pitcher John Smiley threw a one-hitter against the Mets in a 4-0 defeat of the Mets in Three Rivers Stadium. Smiley faced 28 batters and recorded four strikeouts.

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