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Monday, 25 April 2011 13:01

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' 4-1 win against the Capitals in Game 5 of the Patrick Division final, April 25, 1991.

The Penguins clinched the series with a win at the Civic Arena. Right winger Joe Mullen gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 15:38 of the first period with a goal against goaltender Don Beaupre. Assists went to rookie right winger Jaromir Jagr and center Jiri Hrdina.

At the 4:11 mark of the second period, center Ron Francis scored the eventual game-winning goal off assists from left winger Kevin Stevens and Mullen.

Left winger Dave Tippett scored the Capitals' only goal against goaltender Tom Barrasso just over five minutes later at 9:13. Right winger Peter Bondra recorded the lone assist.

Jagr scored an unassisted goal at 7:53 of the third to put the Penguins up 3-1.

Late in regulation at 18:43, Recchi scored an empty net goal to secure the win. Assists went to center Mario Lemieux and Barrasso.

Notes:

-Barrasso made 33 saves to earn the win.

-The three stars were 1.) Barrasso 2.) Jagr 3.) Mullen.

-The win marked the first time the Penguins had won two playoff series in one season.

-The Penguins advanced to the Wales Conference final. It was only the second time in franchise history the team had moved to the semifinal round of the postseason. The 1969-70 team did it as well but accomplished the feat when it only took one series victory to advance.

-Penguins center Bryan Trottier appeared in his 186th career postseason games and broke a tie for second place on the all-time list with former Islanders teammate Denis Potvin. Kings defenseman and former Canadien Larry Robinson held the record. At the time, he had appeared in 323 postseason games.

Also in the news that day:

-In Game 5 of the Adams Division final, right winger Cam Neely recorded a hat trick for the Bruins in a 4-1 defeat of the rival Canadiens at the Boston Garden. The Bruins led the series, 3-2.

-Pitcher Vincente Palacios allowed four hits and struck out five in nine innings and led the Pirates to an 8-0 shutout of the Expos in Olympic Stadium in Montreal. Leftfielder Barry Bonds went 3 for 4 with a home run and three RBIs for the Pirates who swept the three-game series.

(Photo: Penguins Hockey Cards)

Comments (2)

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written by TommySnark, April 25, 2011 - 05:02 PM

Wait, it's possible to win a seven game series in five games? And at home? Who knew...

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written by rebecca1014, April 25, 2011 - 11:06 PM

Hey, Great post,
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Vibram Five Fingers

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