The 2000–01

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference, and have playe ...

season was the team's 34th in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; french: Ligue nationale de hockey—LNH, ) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprising 32 teams—25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. It is considered to be the top ranked professional ...

. The team played 82 games under new head coach

Ivan Hlinka Ivan Hlinka (January 26, 1950 – August 16, 2004) was a Czech professional ice hockey player and coach. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in Czech ice hockey history. A big centre, his playing style was comparable to Phil ...

, who replaced

Herb Brooks Herbert Paul Brooks Jr. (August 5, 1937 – August 11, 2003) was an American ice hockey player and coach. His most notable achievement came in 1980 as head coach of the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team at Lake Placid. At the Games, Brooks' ...

, who stepped down to remain a scout with the team. The Penguins' .585 points percentage meant that they were the only NHL team from the 1990–91 season to this one that had a points percentage above .500 every season. The last remaining active member of the 2000–01 Pittsburgh Penguins was right wing

Jaromir Jagr Jaromír, Jaromir, Jaroměr is a Slavic male given name. Origin and meaning Jaromír is a West Slavic given name composed of two stems ''jaro'' and ''mír''. The meaning is not definite: * Polish ''jary'' (archaic) = „spry, young, strong“; '' ...

, who played his final NHL game in the 2017–18 season, although he missed the 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11 seasons. His career is still going on as a member of the

Czech Extraliga The Czech Extraliga ( cs, Extraliga ledního hokeje, ELH) is the highest-level ice hockey league in the Czech Republic. It was created by the 1993 split of the Czechoslovak First Ice Hockey League following the breakup of Czechoslovakia. The le ...

's Rytiri Kladno.

Offseason

resigned as head coach at the end of the previous season, but remained with the team as a scout.

succeeded Brooks as head coach. Former Penguin

Joe Mullen Joseph Patrick Mullen (born February 26, 1957) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins betwee ...

became an assistant coach along with his former teammate Randy Hillier.

Regular season

The Penguins opened the regular season by splitting a two-game series against the

Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (commonly referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, and ha ...

in Japan. On December 9, 2000, it was announced by owner

Mario Lemieux Mario Lemieux (; ; born October 5, 1965) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played parts of 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins between 1984 and 2006, and he assumed ownership of the f ...

that he intended to come back as a player. Lemieux returned to the ice on December 27, 2000. Prior to the game, his number 66 banner was lowered from the rafters of the

Mellon Arena The Civic Arena, formerly the Civic Auditorium and later Mellon Arena, was an arena located in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Civic Arena primarily served as the home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city's National Hockey League (NHL) ...

with son Austin watching. Lemieux scored a goal and set up two others (including one on his first shift) in the Penguins' 5–0 victory over the

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...

. Prior to Lemieux's return, the Penguins were 15–14–6–1. After his comeback, the Penguins went 27–14–3–2 for a regular season record of 42–28–9–3 and a third-place finish in the Atlantic Division for a playoff spot. The Penguins were shut out only once all year, on October 28 against the New Jersey Devils. Only New Jersey scored more goals than Pittsburgh during the regular season.

had a stellar year, leading the team in goals (52), assists (69) and points (121).

Alexei Kovalev Alexei Vyacheslavovich Kovalev ( rus, Алексей Вячеславович Ковалёв, , ɐlʲɪkˈsʲej vʲɪtɕɪˈslavəvʲɪtɕ kəvɐˈlʲɵf; born February 24, 1973) is a Russian professional ice hockey coach, executive and former pr ...

had a career year, finishing with 44 goals and 51 assists for 95 points.

Martin Straka Martin Straka (born September 3, 1972) is a Czech former ice hockey center who most recently played for HC Plzeň 1929 of the Czech Extraliga. He is also the club's general manager and co-owner, having bought a 70% share of the team in 2009. St ...

finished second on the team in assists (68) and had 27 goals for 95 points, while Robert Lang had 32 goals and 48 assists for 80 points. In just 43 games, Lemieux had 35 goals and 41 assists for 76 points.

Final standings

Playoffs

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

The Penguins opened the playoffs against the

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference, a ...

. It was their sixth meeting in the playoffs. The Penguins were shut out in Game 1, 1–0. Lemieux scored a goal and had an assist in Game 2, which was won by the Penguins, 2–1. Newcomer Johan Hedberg shut out the Capitals in Game 3. The Capitals won Game 4 in overtime, 4–3. However, game-winning goals by Lemieux and

in Game 5 and 6 won the series for the Penguins, 4–2.

Eastern Conference Semifinals

The Penguins played the

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team was established in 1970, along w ...

in the conference semi-finals. The Penguins won Game 1 by the score of 3–0 and Game 2 by the score of 3–1. The Sabres won the next three games, pushing the Penguins to elimination. However, overtime-winning goals by Straka and

Darius Kasparaitis Darius Kasparaitis (russian: Дарюс Владович Каспарайтис, ''Daryus Vladovich Kasparaitis''; born October 16, 1972) is a Lithuanian-American former professional ice hockey defenceman. He mainly played in the National Hockey ...

in Game 6 and 7 won the series for the Penguins. Game 7 was

Dominik Hasek Dominic is a name common among Roman Catholics and other Latin-Romans as a male given name. Originally from the late Roman-Italic name "Dominicus", its translation means "Lordly", "Belonging to God" or "of the Master". Variations include: Domini ...

's last game as a Sabre; he would sign with the Detroit Red Wings in the off-season.

Eastern Conference Finals

The Penguins and the New Jersey Devils split the first two games of the series before the Devils took games three, four, and five to eliminate the Penguins.

Schedule and results

Regular season

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 1 , , 7 , ,

, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 0–1–0–0 , , 0 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , 8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–1 , ,

, , 1–1–0–0 , , 2 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , 13 , ,

Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. They play th ...

, , 2–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–1–0–0 , , 4 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , 14 , ,

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home ...

, , 6–8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–1–0–0 , , 6 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 5 , , 18 , ,

Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ...

, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2–0–0 , , 6 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 6 , , 19 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–3 , ,

Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (french: Sénateurs d'Ottawa), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a membe ...

, , 3–2–1–0 , , 7 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 7 , , 21 , ,

Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ...

, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2–1–0 , , 9 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 8 , , 25 , ,

, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3–1–0 , , 9 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 9 , , 27 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–1 , ,

, , 5–3–1–0 , , 11 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 10 , , 28 , , New Jersey Devils , , 9–0 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–4–1–0 , , 11 , , , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 11 , , 1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 , ,

San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference, and are owned by San Jose Sports & Entertainm ...

, , 5–5–1–0 , , 11 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 12 , , 3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , ,

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division of the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference, and ...

, , 6–5–1–0 , , 13 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 13 , , 4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–1 , ,

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference, and ...

, , 6–5–2–0 , , 14 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 14 , , 8 , ,

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games in Well ...

, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 7–5–2–0 , , 16 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 15 , , 10 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , , New Jersey Devils , , 8–5–2–0 , , 18 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 16 , , 11 , ,

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. They play their home games at Rogers Place, which ...

, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 9–5–2–0 , , 20 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 17 , , 13 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 OT , ,

Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The Avalanche play thei ...

, , 9–5–2–1 , , 21 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 18 , , 16 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , ,

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the ...

, , 9–6–2–1 , , 21 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 19 , , 18 , , Atlanta Thrashers , , 1–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 10–6–2–1 , , 23 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 20 , , 22 , ,

, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 10–7–2–1 , , 23 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 21 , , 24 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–0 , ,

, , 11–7–2–1 , , 25 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 22 , , 25 , ,

Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference and was founded on June 5, 1967, after Jack Kent ...

, , 2–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 11–7–3–1 , , 26 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 23 , , 28 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–3 , ,

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...

, , 11–8–3–1 , , 26 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 24 , , 1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–4 , ,

, , 12–8–3–1 , , 28 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 25 , , 2 , ,

, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 12–9–3–1 , , 28 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 26 , , 5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , ,

, , 13–9–3–1 , , 30 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 27 , , 6 , ,

, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 13–10–3–1 , , 30 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 28 , , 9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–5 , ,

, , 13–11–3–1 , , 30 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 29 , , 10 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 , , Detroit Red Wings , , 14–11–3–1 , , 32 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 30 , , 13 , ,

, , 7–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 14–12–3–1 , , 32 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 31 , , 15 , , Florida Panthers , , 4–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 14–13–3–1 , , 32 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 32 , , 16 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–4 , ,

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...

, , 14–13–4–1 , , 33 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 33 , , 20 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–2 , , Florida Panthers , , 14–13–5–1 , , 34 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 34 , , 21 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–1 , ,

, , 14–13–6–1 , , 35 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 35 , , 23 , ,

Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, and were founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minne ...

, , 8–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 14–14–6–1 , , 35 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 36 , , 26 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–3 , ,

, , 15–14–6–1 , , 37 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 37 , , 27 , ,

, , 0–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 16–14–6–1 , , 39 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 38 , , 30 , ,

, , 3–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 17–14–6–1 , , 41 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 39 , , 3 , ,

, , 2–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 18–14–6–1 , , 43 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 40 , , 5 , ,

, , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 18–15–6–1 , , 43 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 41 , , 8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–3 , ,

, , 19–15–6–1 , , 45 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 42 , , 9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–5 , ,

, , 19–16–6–1 , , 45 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 43 , , 12 , , New York Islanders , , 3–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 20–16–6–1 , , 47 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 44 , , 13 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–6 , , New York Islanders , , 20–17–6–1 , , 47 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 45 , , 15 , ,

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Mighty may refer to: * ''Mighty'' (The Planet Smashers album) * ''Mighty'' (Kristene DiMarco album) * ''The Mighty'' (1929 film), a 1929 American action film *'' The Mighty'', a 1998 comedy-drama film * ''The Mighty'' (comics), a DC Comics title * ...

, , 2–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 21–17–6–1 , , 49 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 46 , , 17 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 , , Phoenix Coyotes , , 21–18–6–1 , , 49 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 47 , , 19 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–6 OT , ,

, , 21–18–6–2 , , 50 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 48 , , 21 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–0 , ,

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division i ...

, , 22–18–6–2 , , 52 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 49 , , 24 , ,

, , 1–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 23–18–6–2 , , 54 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 50 , , 27 , , Atlanta Thrashers , , 1–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 24–18–6–2 , , 56 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 51 , , 30 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–3 , , Atlanta Thrashers , , 25–18–6–2 , , 58 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 52 , , 31 , ,

, , 5–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 25–19–6–2 , , 58 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 53 , , 7 , ,

, , 4–9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 26–19–6–2 , , 60 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 54 , , 10 , , New Jersey Devils , , 4–5 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 27–19–6–2 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 55 , , 11 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , ,

Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference and play their home games at the Xcel Ener ...

, , 27–20–6–2 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 56 , , 14 , ,

, , 1–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 28–20–6–2 , , 64 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 57 , , 16 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–4 , , New Jersey Devils , , 28–20–7–2 , , 65 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 58 , , 17 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2 OT , ,

, , 29–20–7–2 , , 67 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 59 , , 19 , ,

, , 5–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 29–21–7–2 , , 67 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 60 , , 21 , , Florida Panthers , , 2–3 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 30–21–7–2 , , 69 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 61 , , 23 , ,

, , 4–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 31–21–7–2 , , 71 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 62 , , 25 , , New York Islanders , , 1–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 32–21–7–2 , , 73 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 63 , , 28 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , ,

, , 32–22–7–2 , , 73 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 64 , , 2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 7–5 , ,

, , 33–22–7–2 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 65 , , 3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , ,

, , 33–23–7–2 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 66 , , 7 , ,

, , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 33–24–7–2 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 67 , , 8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–3 , , Atlanta Thrashers , , 34–24–7–2 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 68 , , 10 , ,

, , 3–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 35–24–7–2 , , 79 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 69 , , 12 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–3 , ,

, , 35–24–8–2 , , 80 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 70 , , 14 , , New York Islanders , , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 35–25–8–2 , , 80 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 71 , , 16 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–3 , , Florida Panthers , , 36–25–8–2 , , 82 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 72 , , 17 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–5 , ,

, , 36–26–8–2 , , 82 , , , - style="background:#fff;" , 73 , , 20 , ,

, , 2–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 36–26–9–2 , , 83 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 74 , , 23 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–5 , ,

, , 36–27–9–2 , , 83 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 75 , , 25 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , , New Jersey Devils , , 37–27–9–2 , , 85 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 76 , , 27 , ,

, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 38–27–9–2 , , 87 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 77 , , 29 , ,

, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 39–27–9–2 , , 89 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 78 , , 31 , ,

, , 3–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 40–27–9–2 , , 91 , , , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 79 , , 2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , , New York Islanders , , 40–28–9–2 , , 91 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 80 , , 4 , ,

, , 2–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 41–28–9–2 , , 93 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 81 , , 7 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 OT , ,

, , 41–28–9–3 , , 94 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 82 , , 8 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–4 , ,

, , 42–28–9–3 , , 96 , , , - , - style="text-align:center;" , ''Legend: = Win = Loss = OT Loss = Tie''

Playoffs

, - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 1 , , L, , April 12, 2001 , , 0–1 , , align="left", @

, , Capitals lead 1–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 2 , , W, , April 14, 2001 , , 2–1 , , align="left", @ Washington Capitals , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 3 , , W, , April 16, 2001 , , 3–0 , , align="left", Washington Capitals , , Penguins lead 2–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 4 , , L, , April 18, 2001 , , 3–4 OT , , align="left", Washington Capitals , , Series tied 2–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 5 , , W, , April 21, 2001 , , 2–1 , , align="left", @ Washington Capitals , , Penguins lead 3–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 6 , , W, , April 23, 2001 , , 4–3 OT , , align="left", Washington Capitals , , Penguins win 4–2 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 1 , , W, , April 26, 2001 , , 3–0 , , align="left", @

, , Penguins lead 1–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 2 , , W, , April 28, 2001 , , 3–1 , , align="left", @ Buffalo Sabres , , Penguins lead 2–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 3 , , L, , April 30, 2001 , , 1–4 , , align="left", Buffalo Sabres , , Penguins lead 2–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 4 , , L, , May 2, 2001 , , 2–5 , , align="left", Buffalo Sabres , , Series tied 2–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 5 , , L, , May 5, 2001 , , 2–3 OT , , align="left", @ Buffalo Sabres , , Sabres lead 3–2 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 6 , , W, , May 8, 2001 , , 3–2 OT , , align="left", Buffalo Sabres , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 7 , , W, , May 10, 2001 , , 3–2 OT , , align="left", @ Buffalo Sabres , , Penguins win 4–3 , , , - , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 1 , , L, , May 12, 2001 , , 1–3 , , align="left", @ New Jersey Devils , , Devils lead 1–0 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#cfc" , 2 , , W, , May 15, 2001 , , 4–2 , , align="left", @ New Jersey Devils , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 3 , , L, , May 17, 2001 , , 0–3 , , align="left", New Jersey Devils , , Devils lead 2–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 4 , , L, , May 19, 2001 , , 0–5 , , align="left", New Jersey Devils , , Devils lead 3–1 , , , - align="center" bgcolor="#fcf" , 5 , , L, , May 22, 2001 , , 2–4 , , align="left", @ New Jersey Devils , , Devils win 4–1 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Scoring

* ''Position abbreviations: C =

Center Center or centre may refer to: Mathematics *Center (geometry), the middle of an object * Center (algebra), used in various contexts ** Center (group theory) ** Center (ring theory) * Graph center, the set of all vertices of minimum eccentrici ...

; D = Defense; G =

Goaltender In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as the goalie) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays in or near t ...

; LW = Left Wing; RW =

Right Wing Right-wing politics describes the range of Ideology#Political ideologies, political ideologies that view certain social orders and Social stratification, hierarchies as inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this pos ...

'' * '' = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.'' * '' = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.''

Goaltending

* '' = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.''

Awards and records

Awards

Broadcaster

Mike Lange Mike Lange (born March 3, 1948) is a retired American sportscaster, best known for his long career as a play-by-play announcer for Pittsburgh Penguins hockey. In 2001, he received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding work as an N ...

was also awarded the

Foster Hewitt Memorial Award The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award is an annual accolade honoring a member of the ice hockey broadcasting world. It was named for the Canadian hockey radio broadcaster and newspaper journalist Foster Hewitt, and it has been presented every year at a ...

in 2001, thus securing his induction into the broadcaster's wing of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Jaromir Jagr, Alexei Kovalev and Mario Lemieux were all selected to participate in the 2001 NHL All-Star Game. Lemieux captained the North American All-Stars and scored two points. Kovalev was a reserve for the World All-Stars and also scored two points. Jagr was voted as a starter for the World All-Stars, but could not play due to an injury.

Milestones

Making their NHL debuts in 2000–01 as members of the Pittsburgh Penguins were

Greg Crozier Gregory T. Crozier (born July 6, 1976) is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey left wing. His father was Joe Crozier, who coached in the National Hockey League and American Hockey League. Playing career He played college hockey for the ...

Johan Hedberg Johan "Moose" Hedberg (born 5 May 1973) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey goaltender. During a career that lasted from 1993 to 2014 he played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Dallas Stars, Atlanta Thrashers, and New Jer ...

, Milan Kraft, Josef Melichar,

Toby Petersen Tobias Emanuel Petersen (born October 27, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey right winger who formerly played for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League (NHL). He attended Colorado College, and was drafted by the Pittsburg ...

, Roman Simicek, and Billy Tibbetts.

Transactions

The Penguins were involved in the following transactions during the 2000–01 season:

Trades

Free agents acquired

Free agents lost

Player signings

Draft picks

The Penguins selected the following players at the

2000 NHL Entry Draft The 2000 NHL Entry Draft was the 38th NHL Entry Draft. It was held on June 24 and 25, 2000 at the Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, following the 2000 NHL Expansion Draft on June 23 for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild. T ...

at the

Pengrowth Saddledome Scotiabank Saddledome is a multi-use indoor arena in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Located in Stampede Park in the southeast end of downtown Calgary, the Saddledome was built in 1983 to replace the Stampede Corral as the home of the Calgary Flame ...

in Calgary: ;Draft notes * The Pittsburgh Penguins' fourth-round pick went to the

as the result of a June 24, 2000 trade that sent a 2000 fourth-round pick and a 2000 fifth-round pick to the Penguins in exchange for this pick. * The Montreal Canadiens' fourth-round pick (from the

) went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of a June 24, 2000 trade that sent a 2000 fourth-round pick to the Canadiens in exchange for a 2000 fifth-round pick and this pick. * The Montreal Canadiens' fifth-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of a June 24, 2000 trade that sent a 2000 fourth-round pick to the Canadiens in exchange for a 2000 fourth-round pick and this pick. * The Pittsburgh Penguins' fifth-round pick went to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim as the result of a March 14, 2000 trade that sent Dan Trebil to the Penguins in exchange for this pick. * The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim's ninth-round pick went to the Pittsburgh Penguins as a result of a January 29, 2000 trade that sent

Kip Miller Kip Charles Miller (born June 11, 1969) is an American former ice hockey forward. He last played for the American Hockey League Grand Rapids Griffins in 2006–07. He was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques as their 4th-round pick in the 1987 NHL E ...

to the Mighty Ducks in exchange for this pick.

Farm teams

The

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, and are the AHL affiliates of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins. They play at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barr ...

of the AHL finished second in the Mid-Atlantic Division with a record of 36-33-9-2 record. They defeated the Syracuse Crunch,

Philadelphia Phantoms The Philadelphia Phantoms were a professional ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 1996 to 2009. The club was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played most of its home games at the Spectrum. During schedule ...

and

Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears are a professional ice hockey team based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a town located 14 miles east of the state capital of Harrisburg. The current Bears club has played in the American Hockey League since the 1938–39 season maki ...

to win the Robert W. Clarke Trophy as Western Conference playoff champions. They lost to the

Saint John Flames The Saint John Flames were a Canadian ice hockey team in the American Hockey League from 1993 to 2003 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The Calgary Flames bought and relocated the Utica Devils, to be their AHL affiliate. History The Saint J ...

in six games in the Calder Cup Finals.

John Slaney John G. Slaney (born February 7, 1972) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. He is an assistant coach for the Tucson Roadrunners. He was formerly the assistant coach of the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League (AHL). ...

won the

Eddie Shore Award The Eddie Shore Award is presented annually to the AHL's best defenceman. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Shore. Winners NHL-level Eddie Shore Award One of the Bos ...

as defenseman of the year. The

ECHL The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a mid-level professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams scattered across the United States and Canada. It is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The ...

Wheeling Nailers The Wheeling Nailers are a professional ECHL ice hockey team based in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey Lea ...

finished last overall with a record of 24-40-8.

Notes

References

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:2000-01 Pittsburgh Penguins season Pitts Pitts Pittsburgh Penguins seasons Pitts Pitts

Offseason

Regular season

Final standings

Playoffs

Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Eastern Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference Finals

Schedule and results

Regular season

Playoffs

Player statistics

Scoring

Goaltending

Awards and records

Awards

Milestones

Transactions

Trades

Free agents acquired

Free agents lost

Player signings

Draft picks

Farm teams

See also

Notes

References