The Pittsburgh Penguins have experienced quite an adventure since being founded in 1967. From back-to-back Stanley Cup titles, losing and regaining one of their star players to cancer, and their recovery from bankruptcy, the Penguins have continued to be an exciting team for NHL fans to support.
Especially for fans who like to bet on the games, the Penguins have had many amazing seasons, and continue to provide action and excitement each year. For example, with PA sports betting, following the Penguins’ journey becomes even more exciting because you can easily place your bets online.
When you have a bet on the line, every match becomes more entertaining to watch. But with the NHL season currently in its downtime, let’s pass the time by looking at the top 10 iconic moments in the Penguins’ history.
Mario Lemieux’s Draft in 1984
Embed from Getty ImagesPenguins fans can’t deny Mario Lemieux’s contribution to the team and franchise in general. Everything started when the Penguins secured the first overall pick in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. They picked a young Mario Lemieux and everything else was history. Throughout his career, Lemieux set numerous records and became synonymous with the Penguins brand.
Mario’s Magnificent Five in 1988
It didn’t take long for Mario Lemieux to prove why he was such an excellent pick for the Penguins. On December 31, 1988, he etched his name in NHL history when he scored five goals in five different ways: an even-strength goal, a power-play goal, a short-handed goal, a penalty shot goal, and an empty-net goal. No one has been able to replicate this feat today – a sure testament to Lemieux’s talent.
Their First Stanley Cup Win in 1991
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 1991 – 24 years after they were founded – the Penguins won their very first Stanley Cup. They played and succeeded against the Minnesota North Stars in the sixth game, led to victory by their superstar player, Mario Lemieux. This win started their ascent in the ranks of NHL greatness.
Back-to-Back Championships
The Penguins weren’t done asserting their dominance when they won the trophy in 1991. They repeated the feat a year later, this time defeating the Chicago Blackhawks. As expected, Mario Lemieux led the attack, ultimately proving instrumental in them lifting the trophy for the second time in a row.
Lemieux’s Victory Against Cancer and Return to Ice
In 1993, Penguins superstar Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma and had to undergo aggressive radiation treatment to battle it. But within the same season, Lemieux made a remarkable return to the ice after successful radiation treatments. He even played against the Philadelphia Flyers on his last treatment day, earning him a rare standing ovation from the Flyers fans.
Winning the NHL Draft Lottery
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter a league-wide lockout that resulted in the cancellation of the 2004-2005 season, the Penguins won the NHL draft lottery. They used this opportunity to pick Sidney Crosby as their first overall draft in 2005. Crosby would become the face of the franchise and one of the league’s best players, leading the Penguins to multiple Stanley Cup victories.
2009 Stanley Cup Redemption
After a bitter defeat to the Detroit Red Wings in the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals, the Penguins returned with a vengeance in 2009. Playing against the Red Wings again in the finals, the showdown went all the way to Game 7. Thanks to Marc-Andre Fleury’s stop in the game’s final seconds, it won the Penguins their hard-fought trophy.
Fleury’s Iconic 2009 Moment
Even though we just discussed the Penguins’ 2009 victory, we simply had to give Fleury’s iconic save its own entry. Without it, one of the Penguins’ most memorable moments wouldn’t have happened.
Here’s why it’s so important: with just seconds remaining, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury dove across the crease to deny Red Wings’ Nicklas Lidström a game-tying goal. It was thanks to Fleury’s heroics that the Penguins were able to prevent another heartbreak.
Back-to-Back Championships Again
Embed from Getty ImagesIt took the Penguins 25 years to repeat the feat but they secured another back-to-back Stanley Cup win in 2016 and 2017. Led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins demonstrated their greatness to acquire their fourth and fifth championships. They defeated the San Jose Sharks in 2016 and the Nashville Predators in 2017.
The Resurgence of Phil Kessel
After a rocky tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Phil Kessel found his new home with the Pittsburgh team after a trade in 2015. The trade worked well for him after he found his speed and playmaking abilities perfectly matched the Penguins’ fast-paced system. He also played a pivotal role in the 2016 and 2017 Penguins championships by joining Nick Bonino and Carl Hagelin to form the “HBK” line – the Penguins’ highest-scoring line.
Featured image credit: Frederick Breedon/Stringer, Getty Images
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