1990–91 Pittsburgh Penguins Season
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The 1990–91 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins 24th season in the NHL, and they were coming off of a disappointing 1989–90 season, having finished one point behind the
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
for the final playoff spot in the Patrick Division, failing to qualify for post-season play for the seventh time in eight seasons. The Penguins placed first in their division, third-overall in the Wales Conference, on the way to the first-ever
Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup (french: La Coupe Stanley) is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, an ...
championship for the team. Seven players and three off-ice staff members from the 1990-91 team have been elected to the
Hockey Hall of Fame , logo = Hockey Hall of Fame Logo.svg , logo_upright = 0.5 , image = Hockey Hall of Fame, Toronto.jpg , caption = The Hall's present location on Yonge Street since 1992 , map_type = , former_name = , established = 1943 , location = 30 Y ...
. This was the first of eleven consecutive playoff appearances for the Penguins.


Off-season

In the off-season, general manager Craig Patrick, who finished the previous season coaching the club, would name Bob Johnson as the new head coach of the Penguins. Patrick also named Scotty Bowman as his director of player development and recruitment. Johnson had previously been the head coach of the Calgary Flames from 1982 to 1987. The team also acquired veteran Bryan Trottier, who helped lead the
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
to four-straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, to help out with his leadership abilities.


Pre-season

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NY Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conferenc ...
, , , , Pietrangelo , , 9,873, , , , , - , - , ''Legend:      = Win      = Loss      = Tie''


Regular season

The Penguins would begin the season without Mario Lemieux, as he would miss the first half of the season recovering from a back injury that he suffered in a game against the New York Rangers on February 14, 1990, which caused him to miss the remainder of the 1989–90 season. Pittsburgh would begin the season slow, and in their opening 31 games, the team had a 12–16–3, good for 27 points, and nine points out of a playoff spot. As the season progressed, the team began playing better, had Lemieux return to the lineup, and Patrick would make some trades, acquiring defenseman Larry Murphy from the Minnesota North Stars and Scott Young from the Hartford Whalers. The Penguins eventually came into playoff contention, and on March 4, when the team had a 32–30–4 record, sitting in third place in the Division, the club pulled off a blockbuster deal with the Whalers, trading John Cullen,
Zarley Zalapski Zarley Bennett Zalapski (April 22, 1968 – December 10, 2017) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played from 1987 to 2010. Playing career Zalapski's career started with the Fort Saskatchewan Traders of the Alberta Junior Hock ...
, and Jeff Parker to Hartford for
Ron Francis Ronald Michael Francis Jr. (born March 1, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre. He is the general manager of the Seattle Kraken that inaugurated its first season in 2021. Drafted fourth overall in the 1981 NHL Entry Draft, F ...
, Ulf Samuelsson, and Grant Jennings. The deal helped the Penguins finish the season off 9–3–2, and win their first ever Division championship, finishing three points ahead of the second place New York Rangers. With Lemieux missing the majority of the season due to his back injury,
Mark Recchi Mark Louis Recchi (; born February 1, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former assistant coach. Recchi played 22 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL), playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, ...
stepped up and had a breakout season, scoring a team-high 40 goals and 73 assists for 113 points. Kevin Stevens would tie Recchi for the team lead in goals with 40, and add 46 assists for 86 points. Rookie Jaromir Jagr had a solid season, scoring 27 goals and earning 57 points, while Lemieux recorded 19 goals and 45 points in only 26 games.
Paul Coffey Paul Douglas Coffey (born June 1, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played for nine teams over 21 seasons in the National Hockey League. Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time among ...
led the defense with 93 points in 76 games. The 342 goals the Penguins scored was the second-highest toal in the League, only two goals fewer than the Calgary Flames. In goal, Tom Barrasso had the majority of playing time, winning a team high 27 games and posting a 3.59 goals against average (GAA), along with one shutout. Frank Pietrangelo appeared in 25 games, finishing with a 10–11–1 record and a 3.94 GAA.


Season standings


Schedule and results

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Capital Centre Capitol Center or Capitol Centre or Capital Center or Capital Centre may refer to: Singapore *Capitol Centre, Singapore United Arab Emirates *Capital Centre (Abu Dhabi) United Kingdom *Capitol Centre, Cardiff, a shopping mall United States * Ca ...
, , 1–0–0 , , 2 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , 7 , , 7:35 pm , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
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St. Louis Arena St. Louis Arena (known as the Checkerdome from 1977 to 1983) was an indoor arena in St. Louis, Missouri. The country's second-largest indoor entertainment venue when it opened in 1929, it was home to the St. Louis Blues and other sports franchis ...
, , 2–1–0 , , 4 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 4 , , 11 , , 8:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , , Chicago Blackhawks , , Chicago Stadium , , 2–2–0 , , 4 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , 13 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–4 , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
, , Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , , 3–2–0 , , 6 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 6 , , 16 , , 7:35 pm , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 5–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 3–3–0 , , 6 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 7 , , 19 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–4 OT , , Buffalo Sabres , , Buffalo Memorial Auditorium , , 3–3–1 , , 7 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 8 , , 20 , , 7:35 pm , , New York Rangers , , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 3–4–1 , , 7 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 9 , , 23 , , 7:35 pm , , Montreal Canadiens , , 5–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 3–5–1 , , 7 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 10 , , 25 , , 7:35 pm , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 4–5–1 , , 9 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 11 , , 27 , , 7:45 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–7 , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, , Brendan Byrne Arena , , 4–6–1 , , 9 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 12 , , 28 , , 7:35 pm , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
, , 3–8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 5–6–1 , , 11 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 13 , , 30 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–2 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , The Spectrum , , 6–6–1 , , 13 , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 14 , , 3 , , 7:35 pm , , New York Rangers , , 1–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 7–6–1 , , 15 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 15 , , 6 , , 7:35 pm , , Calgary Flames , , 5–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 8–6–1 , , 17 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 16 , , 8 , , 7:35 pm , , St. Louis Blues , , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 8–7–1 , , 17 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 17 , , 10 , , 7:05 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–3 OT, , Boston Bruins , , Boston Garden , , 8–7–2 , , 18 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 18 , , 13 , , 8:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–1 , , Minnesota North Stars , , Met Center , , 9–7–2 , , 20 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 19 , , 14 , , 8:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–4 , , Winnipeg Jets , , Winnipeg Arena , , 10–7–2 , , 22 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 20 , , 17 , , 10:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–2 OT, , Los Angeles Kings , , Great Western Forum , , 10–8–2 , , 22 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 21 , , 21 , , 7:35 pm , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 5–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 10–9–2 , , 22 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 22 , , 23 , , 8:05 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–7 , , Washington Capitals , ,
Capital Centre Capitol Center or Capitol Centre or Capital Center or Capital Centre may refer to: Singapore *Capitol Centre, Singapore United Arab Emirates *Capital Centre (Abu Dhabi) United Kingdom *Capitol Centre, Cardiff, a shopping mall United States * Ca ...
, , 10–10–2 , , 22 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 23 , , 24 , , 7:35 pm , , Washington Capitals , , 2–3 OT, , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 11–10–2 , , 24 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 24 , , 27 , , 7:35 pm , , Edmonton Oilers , , 7–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 11–11–2 , , 24 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 25 , , 29 , , 7:35 pm , , Hartford Whalers , , 6–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 11–12–2 , , 24 , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 26 , , 1 , , 8:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , , Minnesota North Stars , , Met Center , , 11–13–2 , , 24 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 27 , , 3 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 9–4 , , New York Rangers , , Madison Square Garden (IV) , , 12–13–2 , , 26 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 28 , , 5 , , 7:35 pm , , Washington Capitals , , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 12–14–2 , , 26 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 29 , , 7 , , 7:35 pm , , Vancouver Canucks , , 2–2 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 12–14–3 , , 27 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 30 , , 8 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–3 , , Hartford Whalers , ,
Hartford Civic Center Hartford is the capital city of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It was the seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960. It is the core city in the Greater Hartford metropolitan area. Census estimates since the ...
, , 12–15–3 , , 27 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 31 , , 11 , , 7:35 pm , , Chicago Blackhawks , , 4–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 12–16–3 , , 27 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 32 , , 13 , , 7:35 pm , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, , 5–9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 13–16–3 , , 29 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 33 , , 14 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 , , Buffalo Sabres , , Buffalo Memorial Auditorium , , 14–16–3 , , 31 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 34 , , 16 , , 7:35 pm , ,
Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 15–16–3 , , 33 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 35 , , 18 , , 7:35 pm , , Winnipeg Jets , , 2–9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 16–16–3 , , 35 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 36 , , 20 , , 7:35 pm , , Minnesota North Stars , , 3–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 17–16–3 , , 37 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 37 , , 22 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
, , Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , , 18–16–3 , , 39 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 38 , , 23 , , 7:35 pm , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
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Capital Centre Capitol Center or Capitol Centre or Capital Center or Capital Centre may refer to: Singapore *Capitol Centre, Singapore United Arab Emirates *Capital Centre (Abu Dhabi) United Kingdom *Capitol Centre, Cardiff, a shopping mall United States * Ca ...
, , 19–17–3 , , 41 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 40 , , 28 , , 7:35 pm , ,
Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , 0–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 20–17–3 , , 43 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 41 , , 29 , , 8:05 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , Maple Leaf Gardens , , 20–18–3 , , 43 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 42 , , 31 , , 6:05 pm , , St. Louis Blues , , 3–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 21–18–3 , , 45 , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 43 , , 3 , , 7:35 pm , , New York Rangers , , 7–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 21–19–3 , , 45 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 44 , , 5 , , 1:35 pm , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 22–19–3 , , 47 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 45 , , 6 , , 7:05 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , , Montreal Canadiens , , Montreal Forum , , 22–20–3 , , 47 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 46 , , 8 , , 7:35 pm , , Edmonton Oilers , , 1–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 23–20–3 , , 49 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 47 , , 10 , , 7:35 pm , , Calgary Flames , , 1–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 24–20–3 , , 51 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 48 , , 15 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , The Spectrum , , 24–21–3 , , 51 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 49 , , 17 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–5 OT , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , Maple Leaf Gardens , , 25–21–3 , , 53 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 50 , , 22 , , 7:35 pm , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, , 3–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 26–21–3 , , 55 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 51 , , 26 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , Colisée de Québec , , 27–21–3 , , 57 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 52 , , 29 , , 7:35 pm , , Washington Capitals , , 2–3 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 28–21–3 , , 59 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 53 , , 31 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , The Spectrum , , 28–22–3 , , 59 , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 54 , , 2 , , 1:35 pm , , Boston Bruins , , 2–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 29–22–3 , , 61 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 55 , , 3 , , 7:05 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , , Boston Bruins , , Boston Garden , , 29–23–3 , , 61 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 56 , , 8 , , 8:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–6 , , Winnipeg Jets , , Winnipeg Arena , , 29–24–3 , , 61 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 57 , , 11 , , 9:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–7 , , Edmonton Oilers , , Northlands Coliseum , , 29–25–3 , , 61 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 58 , , 14 , , 7:35 pm , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 30–25–3 , , 63 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 59 , , 16 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
, , Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , , 30–26–3 , , 63 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 60 , , 19 , , 7:35 pm , , Buffalo Sabres , , 3–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 31–26–3 , , 65 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 61 , , 21 , , 7:35 pm , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 4–11 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 32–26–3 , , 67 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 62 , , 22 , , 7:45 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–5 , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, , Brendan Byrne Arena , , 32–27–3 , , 67 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 63 , , 24 , , 1:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–5 OT , , Washington Capitals , ,
Capital Centre Capitol Center or Capitol Centre or Capital Center or Capital Centre may refer to: Singapore *Capitol Centre, Singapore United Arab Emirates *Capital Centre (Abu Dhabi) United Kingdom *Capitol Centre, Cardiff, a shopping mall United States * Ca ...
, , 32–27–4 , , 68 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 64 , , 26 , , 10:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–8 , , Los Angeles Kings , , Great Western Forum , , 32–28–4 , , 68 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 65 , , 27 , , 10:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , , Vancouver Canucks , , Pacific Coliseum , , 32–29–4 , , 68 , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 66 , , 1 , , 9:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–6 , , Calgary Flames , , Olympic Saddledome , , 32–30–4 , , 68 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 67 , , 5 , , 7:35 pm , , Vancouver Canucks , , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 33–30–4 , , 70 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 68 , , 7 , , 7:35 pm , , Los Angeles Kings , , 2–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 34–30–4 , , 72 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 69 , , 9 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–2 , , Hartford Whalers , ,
Hartford Civic Center Hartford is the capital city of the U.S. state of Connecticut. It was the seat of Hartford County until Connecticut disbanded county government in 1960. It is the core city in the Greater Hartford metropolitan area. Census estimates since the ...
, , 35–30–4 , , 74 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 70 , , 10 , , 5:05 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 , ,
New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...
, , Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum , , 36–30–4 , , 76 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 71 , , 12 , , 7:35 pm , , Montreal Canadiens , , 4–4 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 36–30–5 , , 77 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 72 , , 16 , , 1:35 pm , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 37–30–5 , , 79 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 73 , , 17 , , 1:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , , New York Rangers , , Madison Square Garden (IV) , , 38–30–5 , , 81 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 74 , , 19 , , 7:45 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, , Brendan Byrne Arena , , 38–31–5 , , 81 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 75 , , 21 , , 7:35 pm , , New York Rangers , , 4–5 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 39–31–5 , , 83 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 76 , , 23 , , 1:35 pm , , Chicago Blackhawks , , 7–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 39–32–5 , , 83 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 77 , , 26 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–1 , , Philadelphia Flyers , , The Spectrum , , 40–32–5 , , 85 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 78 , , 27 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 7–4 , ,
Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...
, , Joe Louis Arena , , 41–32–5 , , 87 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 79 , , 30 , , 1:35 pm , , Philadelphia Flyers , , 4–4 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena , , 41–32–6 , , 88 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 80 , , 31 , , 7:35 pm , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , , New York Rangers , , Madison Square Garden (IV) , , 41–33–6 , , 88 , - , - style="text-align:center;" , ''Legend:      = Win      = Loss      = Tie''


Playoffs


Division Semi-finals

In the playoffs, the Penguins would open up against the
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...
, who finished the year in fourth place in the Division, nine points behind Pittsburgh. The teams split the opening two games in Pittsburgh, and then split the two games in New Jersey, before the Devils won Game 5 at Civic Arena to take a 3–2 series lead back home. The Penguins responded with a hard-fought 4–3 victory in Game 6 to bring it back home for Game 7, where Pittsburgh completed the comeback with a 4–0 shutout to win the series.


Division Finals

Up next was the Washington Capitals, and Washington would surprise the Penguins with a 4–2 victory in the opening game, though Pittsburgh tied the series in Game 2 with a 7–6 overtime victory. The Pens would go into Washington for Games 3 and 4, and post back-to-back 3–1 wins to go up 3–1 in the series, and finish off Washington in the fifth game to clinch the series and advance to the Conference Finals for the first time in team history.


Conference Finals

The Penguins next opponent was the Boston Bruins, the defending Wales Conference champions, and the Bruins, who finished with 100 points, had home ice for the series. Boston would take control of the series early by winning the opening two games in Boston, however, the Penguins responded by winning the next two in Pittsburgh to even up the series. Pittsburgh would return to Boston for the fifth game, and surprise the Bruins with a 7–2 victory, going up 3–2 in the series and returning home for the sixth game. The Penguins finished off Boston 5–3 in the sixth game, winning the
Prince of Wales Trophy The Prince of Wales Trophy, also known as the Wales Trophy, is a team award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL). Named for Prince Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and then Duke of Windsor), it has been awarded for diffe ...
and going to the
Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup (french: La Coupe Stanley) is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, an ...
finals for the first time in team history.


Stanley Cup Finals

Pittsburgh faced the surprising Minnesota North Stars in the Stanley Cup Finals. While the North Stars had a 27–39–14 record during the regular season, they had been red hot in the playoffs, defeating the Presidents' Trophy winners Chicago Blackhawks, the St. Louis Blues and the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers to reach the Finals. Minnesota would continue their hot streak with a 5–4 victory in Game 1, but the Penguins tied the series in Game 2 as the series shifted from Pittsburgh to Minnesota. The North Stars won Game 3 with solid goaltending, but the Penguins rebounded in Game 4 to tie the series as it returned to Pittsburgh. Game 5 was a close, hard-fought game, with the Penguins winning 6–4 to take a 3–2 series lead, and in Game 6, Pittsburgh would defeat the North Stars 8–0 to win the series, and the first-ever Stanley Cup in club history. Mario Lemieux, recording 44 points in 23 games, won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.


Playoff log

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Šťastný __NOTOC__ Šťastný () is a Czech language, Czech and Slovak language, Slovak surname which literally means "happy". The feminine form of the surname is Šťastná. Spelling variants include Stiastny/Stiastna, Stiasny/Stiasna, Stiassny/Stiassna, ...
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Boschman, , Barrasso (0–1), , 16,164, , 0–1, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , April 5, , New Jersey, , 4–5, , Pittsburgh, , 8:52, , Stevens,
Coffey Coffey may refer to: __NOTOC__ People * Coffey (surname) * Coffey Anderson (born 1978), American country and gospel singer and songwriter Places * Coffey, Missouri, a city in Daviess County, Missouri * Coffey County, Kansas * Coffey County Airport, ...
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'' Jagr'', ,
MacLean MacLean, also spelt Maclean and McLean, is a Gaelic surname Mac Gille Eathain, or, Mac Giolla Eóin in Irish Gaelic), Eóin being a Gaelic form of Johannes (John). The clan surname is an Anglicisation of the Scottish Gaelic "Mac Gille Eathain" ...
(2), Shanahan, Kasatonov, , Barrasso (1–1), , 16,164, , 1–1, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , April 7, , Pittsburgh, , 4–3, , New Jersey, , , , Recchi, Errey,
Mullen Mullen is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. Notable people with the surname include: * Alex Mullen (born 1992), Australian professional footballer *Andrew Mullen (born 1996), British Paralympian swimmer *Ann A. Mullen (1935–1994), Ameri ...
,
''Recchi'', , Shanahan (2), Brown, , Barrasso (2–1), , 16,899, , 2–1, , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 4 , , April 9, , Pittsburgh, , 1–4, , New Jersey, , , , Lemieux, , Lemieux, ''Šťastný'',
MacLean, Lemieux, , Barrasso (2–2), , 16,552, , 2–2, , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 5 , , April 11, , New Jersey, , 4–2, , Pittsburgh, , , ,
Francis Francis may refer to: People *Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State and Bishop of Rome *Francis (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters *Francis (surname) Places * Rural M ...
,
Murphy Murphy () ( ga, Ua Murchadha) is an Irish surname and the most common surname in the Republic of Ireland. Origins and variants The surname is a variant of two Irish surnames: "Ó Murchadha"/"Ó Murchadh" (descendant of "Murchadh"), and "Mac ...
, , MacLean, Driver,
''Lemieux'', Brown ( en), , Barrasso (2–3), , 16,164, , 2–3, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 6 , , April 13, , Pittsburgh, , 4–3, , New Jersey, , , , Stevens (2), Jagr,
Francis, , MacLean, Weinrich, Lemieux, , Pietrangelo (1–0), , 19,040, , 3–3, , , - style="background:#cff;" , 7 , , April 15, , New Jersey, , 0–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , '' Hrdina'', Lemieux, Hrdina, Coffey, , , , Pietrangelo (2-0), , 16,164, , 4–3, , , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 1 , , April 17, , Washington, , 4–2, , Pittsburgh, , , , Murphy, Lemieux, ,
Johansson Johansson is a patronymic family name of Swedish origin meaning ''"son of Johan"'', or ''"Johan's son"''. It is the most common Swedish family name, followed by Andersson. (First 18 surnames ends -sson.) The Danish, Norwegian, German and Dutch var ...
,
Hatcher Hatcher is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: *Allen Hatcher (born 1944), U.S. mathematician * Anna Granville Hatcher (1905–1978), U.S. linguist *Edwin Starr (born Charles Edwin Hatcher, 1942–2003), U.S. soul singer * Chris Hat ...
,
'' Iafrate'', Miller ( en), , Pietrangelo (1–2), , 16,164, , 0–1, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , April 19, , Washington, , 6–7, , Pittsburgh, , 9:10, , Bourque, Mullen, Recchi (2), Stevens, Gilhen,
''Stevens'', ,
Hunter Hunting is the human activity, human practice of seeking, pursuing, capturing, or killing wildlife or feral animals. The most common reasons for humans to hunt are to harvest food (i.e. meat) and useful animal products (fur/hide (skin), hide, ...
, Druce, Ridley, Ciccarelli (2), Johansson, , Pietrangelo (2–2), , 16,164, , 1–1, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , April 21, , Pittsburgh, , 3–1, , Washington, , , , Lemieux,
''Stevens'',
Trottier __NOTOC__ Trottier is a family name in France, Canada and the United States. It is one of the most common family names in the province of Québec (Canada). A Trottier family came from France to Canada in 1646. A family from Quebec then migrated ...
, , Ciccarelli, , Barrasso (3–3), , 18,130, , 2–1, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , April 23, , Pittsburgh, , 3–1, , Washington, , , , Recchi,
''Stevens'', Bourque, , Bergland, , Barrasso (4–3), , 17,867, , 3–1, , , - style="background:#cff;" , 5 , , April 25, , Washington, , 1–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Mullen,
''Francis'', Jagr, Recchi ( en), ,
Tippett Tippett is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Andre Tippett (born 1959), American Hall of Fame footballer *Clark Tippet (1954–1992), American dancer *Dave Tippett (born 1961), ice hockey coach * Keith Tippett (born 1947), Eng ...
, , Barrasso (5–3), , 16,164, , 4–1, , , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 1 , , May 1, , Pittsburgh, , 3–6, , Boston, , , , Mullen, Stevens, Errey, , Janney,
Neely Neely is both a surname and a given name. Notable people with the name include: Surname * Adam Neely (born 1988), American bass player and YouTuber * Anne Neely (born 1946), American painter * Bill Neely (born 1959), British television journalis ...
, Sweeney,
''Neely'',
Christian Christians () are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words ''Christ'' and ''Christian'' derive from the Koine Greek title ''Christós'' (Χρι ...
, Bourque, , Barrasso (5–4), , 14,448, , 0–1, , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 2 , , May 3, , Pittsburgh, , 4–5, , Boston, , 8:14, , Stevens, Lemieux, Recchi, Lemieux, , Neely, Wesley, Bourque, Janney,
'' Ruzicka'', , Barrasso (5–5), , 14,448, , 0–2, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , May 5, , Boston, , 1–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Stevens,
''Francis'',
Jennings Jennings is a surname of early medieval English origin (also the Anglicised version of the Irish surnames Mac Sheóinín or MacJonin). Notable people with the surname include: *Jennings (Swedish noble family) A–G *Adam Jennings (born 1982), A ...
, Lemieux, , Bourque, , Barrasso (6–5), , 16,164, , 1–2, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , May 7, , Boston, , 1–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Errey,
''Mullen'', Lemieux, Stevens, , Christian, , Barrasso (7–5), , 16,164, , 2–2, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , May 9, , Pittsburgh, , 7–2, , Boston, , , , Stevens, Lemieux,
''Trottier'', Stevens,
Stanton Stanton may refer to: Places United Kingdom ;Populated places * Stanton, Derbyshire, near Swadlincote * Stanton, Gloucestershire * Stanton, Northumberland * Stanton, Staffordshire * Stanton, Suffolk * New Stanton, Derbyshire * Stanton by Bri ...
, Murphy,
Samuelsson Samuelsson is a Swedish patronymic surname meaning "son of Samuel". There are alternative spellings such as the English Samuelson and the Norwegian Samuelsen. It is uncommon as a given name. Samuelsson may refer to: * Bengt I. Samuelsson (born ...
, , Sweeney, Janney, , Barrasso (8–5), , 14,448, , 3–2, , , - style="background:#cff;" , 6 , , May 11, , Boston, , 3–5, , Pittsburgh, , , , Murphy, Bourque,
Roberts Roberts may refer to: People * Roberts (given name), a Latvian masculine given name * Roberts (surname), a popular surname, especially among the Welsh Places * Roberts (crater), a lunar impact crater on the far side of the Moon ;United Stat ...
,
''Recchi'', Lemieux ( en), , Neely, Hodge, Jr., Sweeney, , Barrasso (9–5), , 16,164, , 4–2, , , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 1 , , May 15, , Minnesota, , 5–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Samuelsson, Lemieux, Young, Mullen, , Broten, Dahlen, Bureau, Broten,
'' Smith'', , Barrasso (9–6), , 16,164, , 0–1, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , May 17, , Minnesota, , 1–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Errey,
''Stevens'', Lemieux, Stevens, , Modano, , Barrasso (10–6), , 16,164, , 1–1, , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 3 , , May 19, , Pittsburgh, , 1–3, , Minnesota, , , , Bourque, , Gagner,
''Smith'',
Duchesne Duchesne is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Joseph Duchesne (c. 1544–1609), French physician and chemist. Physician-in-ordinary to King Henry IV * André Duchesne (1584–1640), French historian * François Duchesne (1616 ...
, , Barrasso (10–7), , 15,378, , 1–2, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , May 21, , Pittsburgh, , 5–3, , Minnesota, , , , Stevens, Francis, Lemieux,
''Trottier'', Bourque ( en), , Gagner, Propp, Modano, , Barrasso (11–7), , 15,378, , 2–2, , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , May 23, , Minnesota, , 4–6, , Pittsburgh, , , , Lemieux, Stevens, Recchi (2),
''Francis'', Loney, , Broten, Gagner, Dahlen, Gagner, , Pietrangelo (3–2), , 16,164, , 3–2, , , - style="background:#cff;" , 6 , , May 25, , Pittsburgh, , 8–0, , Minnesota, , , , ''Samuelsson'', Lemieux, Mullen, Errey, Francis, Mullen,
Paek Baek (), also often spelled Paek, Baik, Paik is a Korean family name. In the year 2000, there were 351,275 people with this surname in South Korea. The word means the color white. Baek (白) "白" has a Cantonese origin from the Yuan dynasty ...
, Murphy, , , , Barrasso (11–7), , 15,378, , 4–2, , , - , - , ''Legend:      = Win      = Loss      = Playoff series win'' * Scorer of game-winning goal in ''italics''


Player statistics

;Skaters ;Goaltenders Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Penguins. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.
Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.


Awards and records

* Mario Lemieux became the first person to score 500 assists for the Penguins. He did so in a 5–7 loss to Edmonton on February 11. *
Paul Coffey Paul Douglas Coffey (born June 1, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played for nine teams over 21 seasons in the National Hockey League. Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time among ...
established a franchise record for assists (278) and points (376) by a defenseman. He broke the previous records of 277 assists and 343 points, both held by
Ron Stackhouse Ronald Lorne Stackhouse (born August 26, 1949) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. Playing career Stackhouse was born in Haliburton, Ontario. He started his career playing with the Peterborough Petes under Roger Neilson in th ...
.


Awards


Transactions

The Penguins were involved in the following transactions during the 1990–91 season:


Trades


Free agents


Signings


Other


Draft picks

Pittsburgh Penguins' picks at the
1990 NHL Entry Draft The 1990 NHL Entry Draft was the 28th NHL Entry Draft. It was hosted by the Vancouver Canucks at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, on June 16, 1990. It is remembered as one of the deeper drafts in NHL history, with fourteen of the twenty- ...
. ;Draft notes * The Pittsburgh Penguins' second-round pick went to the Calgary Flames as the result of a June 16, 1990, trade that sent Joe Mullen to the Penguins in exchange for this pick. * The Pittsburgh Penguins' third-round pick went to the Philadelphia Flyers as the result of a September 1, 1989, trade that sent Wendell Young and a seventh-round pick to the Penguins in exchange for this pick. * The Buffalo Sabres' third-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of a November 12, 1988, trade that sent
Doug Bodger Douglas Paul Bodger (born June 18, 1966) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey League. Selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins ninth overall in the 1984 NHL Draft he would play in over 1,000 games in the NHL w ...
and
Darrin Shannon Darrin Arthur Shannon (born December 8, 1969) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for the Buffalo Sabres and the Winnipeg Jets/ Phoenix Coyotes. He is the younger brother of Darryl Shannon and has 3 daughters with his w ...
to the Sabres in exchange for Tom Barrasso and this pick. * The Vancouver Canucks' sixth-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of an October 24, 1989, trade that sent
Rod Buskas Rod Dale Buskas (born January 7, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who spent 11 seasons in the National Hockey League. A hard-nosed physical defender, Buskas is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, whe ...
to the Canucks in exchange for this pick. * The Philadelphia Flyers' seventh-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of a September 1, 1989, trade that sent a third-round pick to the Flyers in exchange for Wendell Young and this pick. * The Buffalo Sabres' seventh-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of an October 3, 1988, trade that sent
Wayne Van Dorp Wayne Van Dorp (born May 19, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played for the Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks and Quebec Nordiques. In The Netherlands he played for Feenstra Flyers Heerenveen an ...
to the Sabres in exchange for this pick.


Farm teams

The IHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks finished in fourth place in the East Division with a record of 38-40-5. They lost to the Kalamazoo Wings in the first round of the playoffs 4-1. The East Coast Hockey League's
Knoxville Cherokees The Knoxville Cherokees were an East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) team based in Knoxville, Tennessee. History The franchise was formed in 1988 along with the ECHL. The team moved to Florence, South Carolina in 1997 and was renamed the Pee Dee Prid ...
won the Henry Brabham Cup as the team with the league's most outstanding record (46-13-5). They were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the
Louisville Icehawks The Louisville Icehawks were a professional ice hockey team competing in the East Coast Hockey League. The team, based in Louisville, Kentucky, played from 1990 to 1994. Their home venue was Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Exposition Center. The ...
. Don Jackson was named coach of the year,
Stan Drulia Stanley W. Drulia (born January 5, 1968) is an American former professional right winger and a scout for the Nashville Predators of the NHL as of December, 2018. Playing career Prior to his mid-season hiring in Milwaukee he was the head coach of ...
was named league MVP and was leading scorer, and
Dan Gauthier Daniel Lester Gauthier (; born December 2, 1963) is an American actor best known for his roles as Kevin Buchanan on the ABC soap opera ''One Life to Live'', Matt Liston on the sitcom Ellen for two seasons, Brad Powell in the 1989 film ''Teen Wi ...
was the league rookie of the year.


Media affiliates

Radio Some of the games broadcast on WDVE because of
KDKA-AM KDKA () is a Class A, clear channel, AM radio station, owned and operated by Audacy, Inc. and licensed to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Its radio studios are located at the combined Audacy Pittsburgh facility in the Foster Plaza o ...
's broadcast conflict with the
Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central division. Founded as part of the American Associati ...
. Television


References

* National Hockey League Guide & Record Book 2007


External links


Player stats at Hockey Database


{{DEFAULTSORT:1990-91 Pittsburgh Penguins season Stanley Cup championship seasons Pittsburgh Penguins seasons Patrick Division champion seasons Pi Pi Eastern Conference (NHL) championship seasons Pitts Pitts Pitts