2008–09 Pittsburgh Penguins Season
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The 2008–09 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the 42nd season of
Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...
in the
National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...
(NHL). The regular season began with two games against the
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
in Stockholm, Sweden on October 4 and October 5, 2008. On February 15, the team had a record of 27–25–5 and was five points out of playoff position. The organization fired head coach
Michel Therrien Michel Therrien (born November 4, 1963) is a Canadians, Canadian professional ice hockey coach. (NHL). Therrien formerly coached the Montreal Canadiens, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Prior to his coaching career, Therrie ...
and replaced him with
Dan Bylsma Daniel Brian Bylsma (; born September 19, 1970) is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He was previously head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Seattle Kraken in the NHL, as well as an assistant coac ...
, head coach of the organization's
American Hockey League The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...
affiliate in
Wilkes-Barre Wilkes-Barre ( , alternatively or ) is a city in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, and its county seat. Located at the center of the Wyoming Valley in Northeastern Pennsylvania, it had a population of 44,328 in the 2020 census. ...
. On February 26, the team traded defenseman Ryan Whitney to the
Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
in return for
Chris Kunitz Christopher Kunitz (born September 26, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Anaheim Ducks (where he won his first Stanley Cup in 2007), Atlanta Thrashers, the ...
. Before the
trade deadline In professional sports within the United States and Canada, a trade is a sports league transaction between sports clubs involving the exchange of player rights from one team to another. Though player rights are the primary trading assets, draft ...
on March 4, they acquired
Bill Guerin William Robert Guerin (born November 9, 1970) is an American former professional ice hockey player and the current general manager of the Minnesota Wild. He previously was the assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and general manag ...
from 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 (N ...
. Under Bylsma, the team went 18–3–4, including 10–1–2 in March, and lost only one home game. The Penguins qualified for the playoffs for the third consecutive season. They did not repeat as champions of the Atlantic Division, but earned the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with 99 points. They began the
2009 Stanley Cup playoffs The 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 15, 2009, after the 2008–09 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference (the winner of each of the three divisions plus the five team ...
on April 15 against the
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
. They beat the Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Carolina Hurricanes to earn a second-straight berth in the
Stanley Cup Finals The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
. In the Finals, the Penguins defeated the
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 ...
in seven games in a rematch of the previous season's Stanley Cup Finals to win the franchise's third league title. To date, this is the only Stanley Cup the Penguins have won without having home-ice advantage. They became the first team since the 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup after losing it the previous year.


Pre-season

Due to their appearance in the
2008 Stanley Cup Finals The 2008 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2007–08 season, and the culmination of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings a ...
, the Penguins had less than three weeks before free agency began to settle numerous contract decisions. The Penguins added nine free agents and lost ten to other teams. Head Coach
Michel Therrien Michel Therrien (born November 4, 1963) is a Canadians, Canadian professional ice hockey coach. (NHL). Therrien formerly coached the Montreal Canadiens, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Prior to his coaching career, Therrie ...
also signed a new three-year contract that replaced the last year of his existing contract, with an increase in salary. The new contract was projected to keep him with the Penguins through the 2010–11 season. The Penguins renewed 99% of their season ticket sales from the 2007–08 season; having sold out 67 consecutive games at Mellon Arena dating back to the 2006–07 season. In July,
ESPN ESPN (an initialism of their original name, which was the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network) is an American international basic cable sports channel owned by the Walt Disney Company (80% and operational control) and Hearst Commu ...
named Pittsburgh the top team in the Eastern Conference, and ''
Sporting News ''The Sporting News'' is a website and former magazine publication owned by Sporting News Holdings, which is a U.S.-based sports media company formed in December 2020 by a private investor consortium. It was originally established in 1886 as a ...
'' predicted the team would finish in the league's fifth overall position. The team commenced training camp on September 16, 2008, in Pittsburgh. They played five pre-season games in preparation for the season, finishing with a 4–0–1 record. The team concluded its preparation for the season with practices in
Stockholm Stockholm (; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in Sweden by population, most populous city of Sweden, as well as the List of urban areas in the Nordic countries, largest urban area in the Nordic countries. Approximately ...
. Defensemen
Sergei Gonchar Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar ( rus, Серге́й Ви́кторович Гонча́р, p=sʲɪrˈɡʲej ˈvʲiktərəvʲɪdʑ ɡɐnʲˈtɕar; born 13 April 1974) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player who is currently a Defensive D ...
was injured in the pre-season opener and originally anticipated to miss "four to six months." He appeared for the first time on February 14, 2009. With Gonchar out of the lineup and previous season's two other alternate captains
Ryan Malone Ryan Gregory Malone (born December 1, 1979), nicknamed "Bugsy", is an American former professional ice hockey forward. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. In 2003 ...
and Gary Roberts departed, the Penguins began the season with no returning alternate captains in the lineup. Therrien selected two alternate captains each month;
Evgeni Malkin Evgeni Vladimirovich Malkin ( rus, Евге́ний Влади́мирович Ма́лкин, p=jɪvˈɡʲenʲɪj ˈmalkʲɪn; born 31 July 1986) is a Russian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and alternate captain (ice hockey ...
and
Brooks Orpik Richard Brooks Orpik (born September 26, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey Defenceman, defenseman who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). A stay-at-home defenseman ...
served the role throughout the opening month. , - style="background:#ffc;" , 1 , , September 20 , ,
Tampa Bay Tampa Bay is a large natural harbor and shallow estuary connected to the Gulf of Mexico on the west-central coast of Florida, comprising Hillsborough Bay, McKay Bay, Old Tampa Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, and Lower Tampa Bay. The largest freshwater i ...
, , 5–4, , Pittsburgh, , SO, , Fleury, , 16,287, , 0–0–1

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , September 22 , , Pittsburgh , , 3–2, , Tampa Bay, , , , John Curry (ice hockey), Curry, , 14,707, , 1–0–1

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , September 24 , , Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto, , 2–3, , Pittsburgh, , , , Sabourin, , 15,731, , 2–0–1

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , September 26 , , Pittsburgh , , 5–4, , Toronto, , , , Fleury, , 18,884, , 3–0–1

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , October 2 , , Pittsburgh , , 4–1, ,
Jokerit Helsingin Jokerit (, English: Joker (playing card), Jokers or Jesters of Helsinki) is a professional ice hockey team based in Helsinki, Finland, which competes in Mestis. Jokerit plays its home games at the Helsinki Ice Hall and Helsinki Halli in ...
( SML), , , , Fleury, , 13,464, , 4–0–1

, - , - , ''Legend:      = Win      = Loss      = OT/SO Loss''


Regular season


October

On September 27, the Penguins embarked on a trip for Sweden where they opened the season against the
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
, at the Ericsson Globe, Stockholm Globe Arena. The Penguins were one of four teams to participate in ''NHL Premiere'' which began the season with games in
Prague Prague ( ; ) is the capital and List of cities and towns in the Czech Republic, largest city of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. Prague, located on the Vltava River, has a population of about 1.4 million, while its P ...
, Czech Republic and
Stockholm Stockholm (; ) is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in Sweden by population, most populous city of Sweden, as well as the List of urban areas in the Nordic countries, largest urban area in the Nordic countries. Approximately ...
, Sweden. Pittsburgh won the opening game of the season in overtime, getting two goals from
Tyler Kennedy Tyler Kennedy (born July 15, 1986) is a Canadians, Canadian-Americans, American former professional ice hockey centre (ice hockey), centre who played nine seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Ne ...
, including the game-winner. The game was broadcast on
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) ...
's
JumboTron A jumbotron, sometimes referred to as jumbovision, is a video display using large-screen television technology (video wall). The original technology was developed in the early 1980s by Mitsubishi Electric and Sony, which coined JumboTron as a ...
where 2,300 spectators watched the game. The team returned to Pittsburgh after ten days in Europe and a 1–1–0 record. The Penguins hosted the ''Trib Total Media Faceoff Festival 2008'' prior to their first four home games, allowing fans to watch the games on 9-by-12 foot
LED A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresp ...
screen outside of Mellon Arena. On October 18,
Sidney Crosby Sidney Patrick Crosby (born August 7, 1987) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "Sid the Kid" and dubb ...
scored one goal in addition to three assists to surpass benchmarks of 100 goals, 200 assists, and 300 total points for his career. In the same game,
Evgeni Malkin Evgeni Vladimirovich Malkin ( rus, Евге́ний Влади́мирович Ма́лкин, p=jɪvˈɡʲenʲɪj ˈmalkʲɪn; born 31 July 1986) is a Russian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and alternate captain (ice hockey ...
assisted on four goals, giving him 200 total career points. The Penguins received continued fan support from their previous season. In addition to extending a home sellout streak to 72 games on October 23, the Penguins ranked 113% above the national average for male television viewers aged 18 to 34. The franchise ranked as the 18th most valuable in the league at US$195 million, marking a 26% increase from the past season. According to ''
Forbes ''Forbes'' () is an American business magazine founded by B. C. Forbes in 1917. It has been owned by the Hong Kong–based investment group Integrated Whale Media Investments since 2014. Its chairman and editor-in-chief is Steve Forbes. The co ...
'', the franchise's revenue would likely put the Penguins into the top ten after their new arena,
Consol Energy Center PPG Paints Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, that serves as the home of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). It previously was the home of the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football Leagu ...
, opened in 2010. The Penguins finished October with a 3–1–1 record in Pittsburgh and concluded the month with three consecutive road losses.


November

The Penguins won their first six games in November before losing in a shootout on November 18.
Rob Scuderi Robert John Scuderi (born December 30, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman, currently serving as an assistant coach for the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators. Known as a stay-at-home defenseman, he played i ...
and
Hal Gill Harold Priestley Gill III (born April 6, 1975) is an Americans, American former professional ice hockey defenceman, defenseman who played 16 National Hockey League, NHL seasons with six different teams, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburg ...
were selected by Therrien to be November's alternate captains, taking over for
Brooks Orpik Richard Brooks Orpik (born September 26, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey Defenceman, defenseman who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). A stay-at-home defenseman ...
and Malkin who served in October. On November 11, the Penguins returned to Detroit for the first time since the
2008 Stanley Cup Finals The 2008 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2007–08 season, and the culmination of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings a ...
. The third goal of
Jordan Staal Jordan Staal (born September 10, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is regarded as a premier penalty-killer ...
's second career
hat-trick A hat-trick or hat trick is the achievement of a generally positive feat three times in a match, or another achievement based on the number three. Origin The term first appeared in 1858 in cricket, to describe H. H. Stephenson taking three Wick ...
came with 22.8 seconds remaining in regulation, sending the game into overtime where the Penguins achieved a 7–6 victory. Malkin's 13-game point streak ended on November 18, during the streak he scored 27 points. Through November 19, the Penguins led the league in overtime games with nine of 18 games taking extra time to decide. Through the first 20 games of the season, Mike Zigomanis led the league in faceoff percentage and
Alex Goligoski Alexander Goligoski (born July 30, 1985) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman who played 17 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars, Arizona Coyotes, and Minnesota Wild. Goligoski ...
led rookie defensemen in points. After an injury to Marc-Andre Fleury,
Dany Sabourin Dany Sabourin (born September 2, 1980) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former goaltender. Playing career Drafted in the fourth round, 108th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, he played four games with Ca ...
and rookie
John Curry John Anthony Curry, (9 September 1949 – 15 April 1994) was a British figure skater. He was the 1976 European, World and Olympic Champion. He was noted for combining ballet and modern dance influences into his skating. Early life Curry was ...
split goaltending duties in his multi-game absence in which the team was 5–6–2. On November 26, Malkin scored three goals for his third career hat-trick, three days later Sidney Crosby also achieved a hat trick—the second of his career. After the team's final game of the month, Malkin and Crosby ranked first and second in league scoring with 39 and 34 points respectively. Malkin also ranked first in the league with 29 assists, and was named the NHL's second ''Star of the Month''.


December

Therrien named
Jordan Staal Jordan Staal (born September 10, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is regarded as a premier penalty-killer ...
and
Matt Cooke Matthew David Cooke (born September 7, 1978) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played sixteen seasons and 1046 games in the National Hockey League (NHL). Cooke won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the ...
December's alternate captains. "I think it's important for our young group to try to extend the leadership group," the coach said of the decision. A survey by Turnkey Sports & Entertainment released on December 2 that surveyed fans of all 122
NFL The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league in the United States. Composed of 32 teams, it is divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The N ...
,
NBA The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America composed of 30 teams (29 in the United States and 1 in Canada). The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Ca ...
,
NHL The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...
and
MLB Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball league composed of 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (baseball), National League (NL) and the American League (AL), with 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada. MLB i ...
teams ranked the Penguins eighth. The survey consisted of 21 categories such as entertainment value, commitment to winning, ticket value and likeability of the players and owners. Ranked 20th in the same poll in 2007, the Penguins were the second-ranked NHL team, behind the
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 ...
. The Penguins began the month with seven games in eleven days in which they were 2–4–1. As of December 10, Crosby and Malkin continued to lead the league in points as well as leading voting for the
All-Star Game An all-star game is an exhibition game that showcases the best players (the "stars") of a sports league. The exhibition is between two teams organized solely for the event, usually representing the league's teams based on region or division, bu ...
in
Montreal Montreal is the List of towns in Quebec, largest city in the Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Quebec, the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, second-largest in Canada, and the List of North American cit ...
. On December 11, after losing three consecutive games, Petr Sykora and
Pascal Dupuis Pascal Dupuis (born April 7, 1979) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional ice hockey winger who is the assistant coach for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Undrafted out of the 1997 ...
each scored their first career hat-tricks in a 9–2 victory over 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 (N ...
in Pittsburgh. It was the seventh time in the Penguins' history that two players scored a hat-trick in the same game, the first since 1993. On December 21, Sidney Crosby surpassed the record for most All-Star Game votes at 1,020,736, set by Jaromir Jagr, then with the Penguins, in 2000. Crosby broke the record with 13 days remaining in voting. Defenceman Ryan Whitney made his first appearance of the season on December 23, after missing 33 games with a foot injury. On December 26, Marc-Andre Fleury made 37 saves in Pittsburgh's first shutout of the season, defeating the
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, 1–0. After concluding the month with a 5–8–1 record, the team held a players-only meeting on December 30. "The attitude is a little off right now," said Brooks Orpik, "It's easy to be a good team when you're winning games. When you're going through rough batches like this, it's what tests guys' character."


January

The Penguins began 2009 with three consecutive losses, extending their losing streak to five games—the most consecutive since 2006. During the streak, the Penguins fell from second to ninth place in the Eastern Conference and failed to score on 32 consecutive power plays. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin led all players in voting for the 2009 All-Star Game. However, Crosby did not play due to a knee injury. The top vote-getter for the second year in a row, Crosby also missed the 2008 All-Star Game. On January 8, the team announced that they had agreed to a four-year contract extension with
Jordan Staal Jordan Staal (born September 10, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is regarded as a premier penalty-killer ...
worth $16 million. Staal's rookie contract was set to expire at the end of the season. He was the Penguins first round pick, second overall in
2006 2006 was designated as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification. Events January * January 1– 4 – Russia temporarily cuts shipment of natural gas to Ukraine during a price dispute. * January 12 – A stampede during t ...
. The team suffered from injuries, culminating in January where at one point they had eight starters injured. Mike Zigomanis had been inactive since December 3 and
Ruslan Fedotenko Ruslan Viktorovych Fedotenko (born January 18, 1979) is a former professional ice hockey winger. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, in his National Hockey League (NHL) career he played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York ...
was ruled out for four to six weeks after breaking his hand on January 6.
Sergei Gonchar Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar ( rus, Серге́й Ви́кторович Гонча́р, p=sʲɪrˈɡʲej ˈvʲiktərəvʲɪdʑ ɡɐnʲˈtɕar; born 13 April 1974) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player who is currently a Defensive D ...
practiced with the team for the first time on January 16 after suffering a
separated shoulder A separated shoulder, also known as acromioclavicular joint injury, is a common injury to the acromioclavicular joint. The AC joint is located at the outer end of the clavicle where it attaches to the acromion of the scapula. Symptoms include n ...
during the pre-season. By that time, the Penguins had lost 173 man-games due to injury, after losing 239 in the entire 2007–08 season. With a 3–0 victory over the
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
on January 18, the Penguins won a second consecutive game for the first time since November 15. However, the team was unable to capitalize and lost their last game before the All-Star break to the
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
. The Penguins entered the break with a 23–21–4 record. The team's 50 points put them in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, two spots out of the
playoffs The playoffs, play-offs, postseason or finals of a sports league are a competition played after the regular season by the top competitors to determine the league champion or a similar accolade. Depending on the league, the playoffs may be eithe ...
.


February

On February 14, Sergei Gonchar made his season debut and Ruslan Fedotenko returned to the line-up after missing over a month due to a hand injury. On February 15—with the Penguins five points out of the playoffs—Therrien was replaced by
Dan Bylsma Daniel Brian Bylsma (; born September 19, 1970) is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He was previously head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and Seattle Kraken in the NHL, as well as an assistant coac ...
, the coach of the Penguins' AHL affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, on an interim basis. Tom Fitzgerald was promoted from Director of Player Development to assistant coach for forwards, while
Mike Yeo Michael Yeo (born July 31, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. Yeo is currently an assistant coach with the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey League (NHL). He is the former head coach of the Minnesota Wild ...
, already with the team, became assistant for the defensemen. Assistant Andre Savard was reassigned within the organization. On February 21, Crosby recorded his 250th career assist in a 2-goal, 2-assist victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. On February 25, Fleury recorded his third shutout of the season, as the Penguins defeated the Islanders 1–0; the team remained two points out of the playoffs after the win. The day after the shutout, Ryan Whitney was traded to the
Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
for
Chris Kunitz Christopher Kunitz (born September 26, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Anaheim Ducks (where he won his first Stanley Cup in 2007), Atlanta Thrashers, the ...
and signing rights to prospect
Eric Tangradi Eric Tangradi (born February 10, 1989) is an American former professional ice hockey left winger. He played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Barys Nur-Sultan in the Kontinen ...
. In his first game after being traded to Pittsburgh, Kunitz recorded a goal and an assist as the Penguins defeated the
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 (N ...
in overtime.


March

The Penguins began March with five of six games on the road, before a homestand of eight consecutive games. Upon the Penguins' win on March 1, the team moved into eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 70 points. The
NHL trade deadline In professional sports within the United States and Canada, a trade is a sports league transaction between sports clubs involving the exchange of player rights from one team to another. Though player rights are the primary trading assets, draft ...
was on March 4. On March 3, the Penguins placed Miroslav Satan on waivers to clear roster space for a trade. Before the deadline, the Penguins acquired
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 (N ...
' captain
Bill Guerin William Robert Guerin (born November 9, 1970) is an American former professional ice hockey player and the current general manager of the Minnesota Wild. He previously was the assistant general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and general manag ...
in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2009 draft. The Penguins also exchanged minor league defensemen, sending Danny Richmond to the
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 (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...
organization for Andy Wozniewski. They also claimed winger Craig Adams off waivers from the Chicago Blackhawks. Dan Bylsma surpassed
Herb Brooks Herbert Paul Brooks (August 5, 1937 – August 11, 2003) was an American ice hockey player and coach (ice hockey), coach. His most notable achievement came in Ice hockey at the 1980 Winter Olympics, 1980 as head coach of the gold medal-winning Un ...
' record for the best record in his first ten games as a Penguins' coach. The team went a franchise-first 5–0–0 on a road trip at the beginning of March. On March 15, the Penguins soldout their 100th consecutive game at the Mellon Arena. Evgeni Malkin recorded his 100th point of the season while tying a career-high five point game against the
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
on March 17. On March 20, Vince Lascheid, Penguins and
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 (baseball), National League (NL) National League Central, Central ...
organist of 33 years, died. Vice President of Communications Tom McMillan said, " ascheidprobably is the only organist in the history of professional sports to be inducted into a team Hall of Fame." The Penguins concluded March with eight consecutive games at the Mellon Arena—their longest homestand of the season.


April and season results

Pittsburgh finished their homestand with a 6–1–1 record, moving into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The final game of the homestand was the most watched game of the season on FSN Pittsburgh, the Penguins regional television network. FSN Pittsburgh was the most-watched regional Fox network in the NHL for the second consecutive season. On April 7, Sidney Crosby scored his 100th point of the season, Evgeni Malkin acquired his 300th career point and Petr Sykora scored his 300th career goal, while the Penguins qualified for the post-season for the third consecutive season with a 6–4 win over the
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
. Tickets for Pittsburgh's first two opening round playoff games sold out within a few hours of going on sale. The team collected over $100,000 for the families of three
Pittsburgh Police The Pittsburgh Police (PBP), officially the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, is the largest law enforcement agency in Western Pennsylvania and the third largest in Pennsylvania. The modern force of salaried and professional officers was founded in 1 ...
officers who were killed days before the game. The Penguins finished their regular season on April 12 with a win over the Montreal Canadiens. Through his first 25 games as Penguins' coach, Dan Blysma's 18–3–4 record amounted to 40 points—the second-most of any coach in NHL history through their first 25 games. The Penguins finished with a 45–28–9 record, for 99 points; fourth place in the Eastern Conference and second place in the Atlantic Division. Evgeni Malkin won the
Art Ross Trophy The Art Ross Trophy is awarded to the National Hockey League (NHL) player who leads the league in Point (ice hockey), points at the end of the regular season. It was presented to the league by former player, general manager, and head coach Art Ros ...
as the league's leading scorer with 113 points. Malkin followed
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 1984–85 NHL season, 1984 and 2005–06 NHL se ...
, Jaromir Jagr and Crosby to become the fourth different Penguin to win the award. The award was the 13th overall for the Penguins since 1988.


Game log

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 1 , , 4 , , 2:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 OT , ,
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
, ,
Ericsson Globe Avicii Arena, originally known as the Stockholm Globe Arena and previously as the Ericsson Globe, but commonly referred to in Swedish language, Swedish simply as Globen (; ), is an indoor arena located in Stockholm Globe City, Johanneshov dist ...
@ Stockholm, SWE (13,699) , , 1–0–0 , , 2 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 2 , , 5 , , 2:30 PM , ,
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , ,
Ericsson Globe Avicii Arena, originally known as the Stockholm Globe Arena and previously as the Ericsson Globe, but commonly referred to in Swedish language, Swedish simply as Globen (; ), is an indoor arena located in Stockholm Globe City, Johanneshov dist ...
@ Stockholm, SWE (13,699) , , 1–1–0 , , 2 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 3 , , 11 , , 7:30 PM , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, , 2–1 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 1–1–1 , , 3 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , 14 , , 7:30 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, , 2–3 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,965) , , 2–1–1 , , 5 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 5 , , 16 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
, , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,030) , , 2–2–1 , , 5 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 6 , , 18 , , 7:00 PM , ,
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. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,033) , , 3–2–1 , , 7 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 7 , , 20 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–1 SO , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, ,
TD Garden TD Garden (named the FleetCenter from opening until 2005 and TD Banknorth Garden until 2009) is a multi-purpose arena in Boston. It is located directly above the MBTA's North Station, and it replaced the original Boston Garden upon opening i ...
(17,565) , , 4–2–1 , , 9 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 8 , , 23 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 5–2–1 , , 11 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 9 , , 25 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 SO , ,
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , Madison Square Garden (IV) (18,200) , , 5–2–2 , , 12 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 10 , , 28 , , 10:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–2 , ,
San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...
, ,
SAP Center at San Jose SAP Center at San Jose (originally known as San Jose Arena and HP Pavilion at San Jose) is an indoor arena located in San Jose, California. Its primary tenant is the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, for which the arena has earned ...
(17,496) , , 5–3–2 , , 12 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 11 , , 30 , , 10:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , ,
Phoenix Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...
, ,
Gila River Arena Desert Diamond Arena (originally Glendale Arena and formerly Jobing.com Arena and Gila River Arena) is an indoor entertainment arena located in Glendale, Arizona, which anchors the 223-acre, $1 billion Westgate Entertainment District. Located ...
(15,178) , , 5–4–2 , , 12 , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 12 , , 1 , , 8:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–3 , ,
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 (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...
, ,
Scottrade Center The Enterprise Center is an 18,096-seat arena located in Downtown St. Louis, downtown St. Louis, Missouri, United States. Its primary tenant is the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League, but it is also used for other functions, such as ...
(19,150) , , 6–4–2 , , 14 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 13 , , 6 , , 7:00 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...
, , 4–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,971) , , 7–4–2 , , 16 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 14 , , 8 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 SO , ,
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 (N ...
, ,
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, a ...
(14,303) , , 8–4–2 , , 18 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 15 , , 11 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 7–6 OT , ,
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 Joe Louis Arena was an arena in Downtown Detroit. Completed in 1979 at a cost of US$57 million as a replacement for Olympia Stadium, it sat adjacent to Cobo Center on the bank of the Detroit River and was accessible by the Joe Louis Arena ...
(20,066) , , 9–4–2 , , 20 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 16 , , 13 , , 7:30 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, , 4–5 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 10–4–2 , , 22 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 17 , , 15 , , 7:30 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...
, , 2–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 11–4–2 , , 24 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 18 , , 18 , , 7:00 PM , ,
Minnesota Wild The Minnesota Wild are a professional ice hockey team based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The Wild compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confer ...
, , 2–1 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,971) , , 11–4–3 , , 25 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 19 , , 20 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–2 , ,
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
, ,
Philips Arena State Farm Arena is a Multi-purpose stadium, multi-purpose arena located in Atlanta, Georgia. The arena serves as the home venue for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It also served as home to the Atlanta Thrasher ...
(13,391) , , 12–4–3 , , 27 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 20 , , 22 , , 2:00 PM , ,
Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...
, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,040) , , 12–5–3 , , 27 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 21 , , 26 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–3 , ,
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 (N ...
, ,
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, a ...
(14,871) , , 13–5–3 , , 29 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 22 , , 28 , , 7:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...
, ,
First Niagara Center KeyBank Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Marine Midland Arena, the venue has since been named HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center. Home to the Buffalo Sabres of the Nation ...
(18,690) , , 13–6–3 , , 29 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 23 , , 29 , , 7:30 PM , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 14–6–3 , , 31 , - , - style="background:#ffc;" , 24 , , 3 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 SO , ,
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , Madison Square Garden (IV) (18,200) , , 14–6–4 , , 32 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 25 , , 4 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–2 , ,
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
, ,
PNC Arena Lenovo Center (originally Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena and formerly RBC Center and PNC Arena) is an list of indoor arenas, indoor arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The arena seats 18,700 for ice hockey and 19,500 ...
(14,559) , , 15–6–4 , , 34 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 26 , , 6 , , 2:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 , ,
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
, ,
Canadian Tire Centre Canadian Tire Centre () is a multi-purpose arena in the suburb of Kanata in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It opened in January 1996 as the Palladium and was also known as Corel Centre () from 1996 to 2006 and Scotiabank Place () from 2006 to 2013. ...
(19,561) , , 15–7–4 , , 34 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 27 , , 8 , , 7:30 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...
, , 4–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,976) , , 15–8–4 , , 34 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 28 , , 10 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–4 , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, ,
Prudential Center Prudential Center is a multipurpose indoor arena in the central business district of Newark, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 2007, it is the home of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL), the New York Sirens of the Pro ...
(16,808) , , 15–9–4 , , 34 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 29 , , 11 , , 7:30 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 (N ...
, , 2–9 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,972) , , 16–9–4 , , 36 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 30 , , 13 , , 1:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–6 , ,
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, ,
Wells Fargo Center Wells Fargo Center may refer to: * Wells Fargo Center (Los Angeles), California * Wells Fargo Center (Sacramento), California * Wells Fargo Center (San Francisco), California * Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, California * Wells Fargo C ...
(19,811) , , 16–10–4 , , 36 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 31 , , 18 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–3 , ,
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
, ,
Philips Arena State Farm Arena is a Multi-purpose stadium, multi-purpose arena located in Atlanta, Georgia. The arena serves as the home venue for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). It also served as home to the Atlanta Thrasher ...
(15,124) , , 17–10–4 , , 38 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 32 , , 20 , , 7:00 PM , ,
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. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, , 7–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,053) , , 17–11–4 , , 38 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 33 , , 22 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 OT , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...
, ,
First Niagara Center KeyBank Center is a multipurpose indoor arena located in Buffalo, New York, United States. Originally known as Marine Midland Arena, the venue has since been named HSBC Arena and First Niagara Center. Home to the Buffalo Sabres of the Nation ...
(18,690) , , 18–11–4 , , 40 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 34 , , 23 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
, , 2–0 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,064) , , 18–12–4 , , 40 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 35 , , 26 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–0 , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, ,
Prudential Center Prudential Center is a multipurpose indoor arena in the central business district of Newark, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 2007, it is the home of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL), the New York Sirens of the Pro ...
(16,921) , , 19–12–4 , , 42 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 36 , , 27 , , 7:00 PM , ,
Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 3–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 19–13–4 , , 42 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 37 , , 30 , , 7:30 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 5–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 19–14–4 , , 42 , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 38 , , 1 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, ,
TD Garden TD Garden (named the FleetCenter from opening until 2005 and TD Banknorth Garden until 2009) is a multi-purpose arena in Boston. It is located directly above the MBTA's North Station, and it replaced the original Boston Garden upon opening i ...
(17,565) , , 19–15–4 , , 42 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 39 , , 3 , , 1:00 PM , ,
Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
, , 6–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,042) , , 19–16–4 , , 42 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 40 , , 5 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 0–4 , ,
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , Madison Square Garden (IV) (18,200) , , 19–17–4 , , 42 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 41 , , 6 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
, , 1–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,975) , , 20–17–4 , , 44 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 42 , , 8 , , 8:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–5 , ,
Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators (colloquially referred to as the Preds) are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Predators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Divisio ...
, ,
Bridgestone Arena Bridgestone Arena (originally Nashville Arena, and formerly Gaylord Entertainment Center and Sommet Center) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Completed in 1996, it is the home of the Nashville Predat ...
(14,297) , , 20–18–4 , , 44 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 43 , , 10 , , 3:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–5 , ,
Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche (colloquially known as the Avs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver. The Avalanche compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Con ...
, ,
Pepsi Center Ball Arena (formerly known as the Pepsi Center) is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Denver, Colorado, United States. It is situated at Speer Boulevard, a main thoroughfare in downtown Denver, and is served by two nearby exits off Int ...
(17,908) , , 20–19–4 , , 44 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 44 , , 13 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , ,
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, ,
Wells Fargo Center Wells Fargo Center may refer to: * Wells Fargo Center (Los Angeles), California * Wells Fargo Center (Sacramento), California * Wells Fargo Center (San Francisco), California * Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, California * Wells Fargo C ...
(19,872) , , 21–19–4 , , 46 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 45 , , 14 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
, , 6–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,975) , , 21–20–4 , , 46 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 46 , , 16 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Anaheim Ducks The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California. The Ducks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Confere ...
, , 1–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,005) , , 22–20–4 , , 48 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 47 , , 18 , , 12:30 PM , ,
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 0–3 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,024) , , 23–20–4 , , 50 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 48 , , 20 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
, , 2–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,972) , , 23–21–4 , , 50 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 49 , , 28 , , 7:30 PM , ,
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 2–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,965) , , 24–21–4 , , 52 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 50 , , 30 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 OT , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, ,
Prudential Center Prudential Center is a multipurpose indoor arena in the central business district of Newark, New Jersey, United States. Opened in 2007, it is the home of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL), the New York Sirens of the Pro ...
(17,625) , , 24–21–5 , , 53 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 51 , , 31 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–5 , ,
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. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, ,
Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...
(19,570) , , 24–22–5 , , 53 , - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 52 , , 3 , , 7:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , ,
Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, ,
Bell Centre Bell Centre (French: ''Centre Bell)'', formerly known as Molson Centre, is a multi-purpose arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), ...
(21,273) , , 24–23–5 , , 53 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 53 , , 4 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
, , 3–4 OT , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,977) , , 25–23–5 , , 55 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 54 , , 6 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...
, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,050) , , 26–23–5 , , 57 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 55 , , 8 , , 12:30 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 ...
, , 3–0 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 26–24–5 , , 57 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 56 , , 11 , , 7:30 PM , ,
San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. The Sharks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Con ...
, , 1–2 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,034) , , 27–24–5 , , 59 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 57 , , 14 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–6 , ,
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. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
, ,
Air Canada Centre Scotiabank Arena (SBA), formerly known as Air Canada Centre (ACC), is a multi-purposed arena located on Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the home of the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and t ...
(19,365) , , 27–25–5 , , 59 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 58 , , 16 , , 2:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 SO , ,
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 (N ...
, ,
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, a ...
(16,234) , , 27–25–6 , , 60 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 59 , , 19 , , 7:00 PM , ,
Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, , 4–5 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,968) , , 28–25–6 , , 62 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 60 , , 21 , , 1:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–4 , ,
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, ,
Wells Fargo Center Wells Fargo Center may refer to: * Wells Fargo Center (Los Angeles), California * Wells Fargo Center (Sacramento), California * Wells Fargo Center (San Francisco), California * Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, California * Wells Fargo C ...
(19,992) , , 29–25–6 , , 64 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 61 , , 22 , , 12:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–5 , ,
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
, , Verizon Center (18,277) , , 29–26–6 , , 64 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 62 , , 25 , , 7:30 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 (N ...
, , 0–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (16,975) , , 30–26–6 , , 66 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 63 , , 27 , , 8:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–4 OT , ,
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 (N ...
, ,
United Center The United Center is an indoor arena on the Near West Side, Chicago, Near West Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is home to the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League (NHL) ...
(22,689) , , 31–26–6 , , 68 , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 64 , , 1 , , 3:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–1 , ,
Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas. The Stars compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The Stars ...
, ,
American Airlines Center The American Airlines Center (AAC) is a multi-purpose List of indoor arenas, indoor arena located in the Victory Park, Dallas, Victory Park neighborhood in downtown Dallas, Texas. The arena serves as the home of the Dallas Stars of the National ...
(18,532) , , 32–26–6 , , 70 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 65 , , 3 , , 7:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–1 , ,
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
, ,
Amalie Arena Amalie Arena (officially stylized as AMALIE Arena) is a multipurpose arena in Tampa, Florida, United States, that has been used for ice hockey, basketball, arena football, concerts, and other events. It is mainly used as the home for the Tamp ...
(19,908) , , 33–26–6 , , 72 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 66 , , 5 , , 7:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–1 , ,
Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
, ,
BB&T Center Amerant Bank Arena (previously known as the National Car Rental Center, Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, and FLA Live Arena) is an indoor arena in Sunrise, Florida, United States. It is the home venue for the Florida Panth ...
(18,933) , , 34–26–6 , , 74 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 67 , , 8 , , 3:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–3 SO , ,
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
, , Verizon Center (18,277) , , 35–26–6 , , 76 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 68 , , 10 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
, , 3–4 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 36–26–6 , , 78 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 69 , , 12 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–4 SO , ,
Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets (often simply referred to as the Jackets) are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. The Blue Jackets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern C ...
, ,
Nationwide Arena Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena in the Arena District of Columbus, Ohio, United States. Since completion in 2000, the arena has served as the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). It is one of two faci ...
(19,167) , , 36–26–7 , , 79 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 70 , , 14 , , 3:00 PM , ,
Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (), officially the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club and colloquially known as the Sens, are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa. The Senators compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Di ...
, , 4–3 SO , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 36–26–8 , , 80 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 71 , , 15 , , 3:00 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
, , 4–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 37–26–8 , , 82 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 72 , , 17 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
, , 2–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,088) , , 38–26–8 , , 84 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 73 , , 20 , , 7:30 PM , ,
Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...
, , 1–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 39–26–8 , , 86 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 74 , , 22 , , 12:30 PM , ,
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, , 3–1 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 39–27–8 , , 86 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 75 , , 25 , , 7:30 PM , ,
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. The ...
, , 0–2 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,083) , , 40–27–8 , , 88 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 76 , , 28 , , 1:00 PM , ,
New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...
, , 3–4 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,110) , , 41–27–8 , , 90 , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 77 , , 1 , , 7:30 PM , ,
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
, , 1–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 42–27–8 , , 92 , - style="background:#ffc;" , 78 , , 4 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–3 OT , ,
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
, ,
PNC Arena Lenovo Center (originally Raleigh Entertainment & Sports Arena and formerly RBC Center and PNC Arena) is an list of indoor arenas, indoor arena located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States. The arena seats 18,700 for ice hockey and 19,500 ...
(18,680) , , 42–27–9 , , 93 , - style="background:#fcf;" , 79 , , 5 , , 5:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 2–4 , ,
Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in the Miami metropolitan area. The Panthers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team initially played it ...
, ,
BB&T Center Amerant Bank Arena (previously known as the National Car Rental Center, Office Depot Center, BankAtlantic Center, BB&T Center, and FLA Live Arena) is an indoor arena in Sunrise, Florida, United States. It is the home venue for the Florida Panth ...
(18,232) , , 42–28–9 , , 93 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 80 , , 7 , , 7:30 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 6–4 , ,
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
, ,
Amalie Arena Amalie Arena (officially stylized as AMALIE Arena) is a multipurpose arena in Tampa, Florida, United States, that has been used for ice hockey, basketball, arena football, concerts, and other events. It is mainly used as the home for the Tamp ...
(19,538) , , 43–28–9 , , 95 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 81 , , 9 , , 7:30 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 (N ...
, , 1–6 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , Civic Arena (17,132) , , 44–28–9 , , 97 , - style="background:#cfc;" , 82 , , 11 , , 7:00 PM , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 3–1 , ,
Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...
, ,
Bell Centre Bell Centre (French: ''Centre Bell)'', formerly known as Molson Centre, is a multi-purpose arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Opened on March 16, 1996, it is the home arena of the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL), ...
(21,273) , , 45–28–9 , , 99 , - , - , ''Legend:      = Win      = Loss      = OT/SO Loss''


Standings

;Divisional standings ;Conference standings


Detailed records

Final


Stanley Cup playoffs

The Penguins advanced to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season. They earned the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and home-ice advantage in the opening round match-up against the
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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...
, following a loss by the Flyers on the last day of the regular season. For the second consecutive season, the Penguins erected a 12 by 16 foot LED screen on the lawn directly outside Mellon Arena, allowing fans to watch all playoff games, free of charge. After defeating Philadelphia, the Penguins beat the
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
and the
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Penguins faced the Detroit Red Wings, defeating them in seven games to win their third Stanley Cup in franchise history. The final game of the season drew a 42.2 television rating in Pittsburgh—the highest local rating in any city since the NHL began to track the figure.


Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

The Penguins won Game 1 of the series 4–1, with goals from Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Tyler Kennedy and defenseman Mark Eaton. "It was a good ightfor me," said Malkin, "It was a good ightfor everybody." Flyers head coach John Stevens was fined US$10,000 and forward Daniel Carcillo was suspended by the NHL for the second game of the series for a hit to
Maxime Talbot Maxime Talbot (born February 11, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins. He was drafted into ...
's head immediately following a faceoff with seven seconds left in the game; Carcillo was not penalized at the time of the hit. In Game 2, Evgeni Malkin had a goal and an assist, while Marc-Andre Fleury made 38 saves. Bill Guerin scored two goals, including the game winner in overtime, and the Penguins won 3–2. With the Penguins up two games to zero, the series moved to Philadelphia for Game 3. After falling behind 2–0, goals from Malkin and
Rob Scuderi Robert John Scuderi (born December 30, 1978) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman, currently serving as an assistant coach for the National Hockey League's Nashville Predators. Known as a stay-at-home defenseman, he played i ...
tied the game. Malkin added his second goal of the game in the final period; however, Philadelphia won the game 6–3. In Game 4, Fleury stopped 45 shots, giving up one goal as the Penguins won 3–1. Crosby scored his second goal of the playoffs and Tyler Kennedy added the game winner. The Penguins were unable to clinch the series in Game 5 at Mellon Arena. A goal by Malkin was taken away after it was determined that he had kicked the puck into the net;
Martin Biron Martin Gaston Biron (; born August 15, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the first round (16th overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, he spent the first half of his 16-year Nationa ...
stopped 28 shots for the shutout. Pittsburgh viewers were unable to see approximately 30 minutes of the second period after a lightning strike at a FSN Pittsburgh network facility in
Atlanta Atlanta ( ) is the List of capitals in the United States, capital and List of municipalities in Georgia (U.S. state), most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia. It is the county seat, seat of Fulton County, Georg ...
caused the station to temporarily black out. In Game 6, the Flyers lead 3–0 four minutes into the second period. Maxime Talbot fought Daniel Carcillo after the Flyers tallied their third goal and the Penguins, re-energized by Talbot's display, scored three goals in what remained of the second period to tie the game 3–3.
Sergei Gonchar Sergei Viktorovich Gonchar ( rus, Серге́й Ви́кторович Гонча́р, p=sʲɪrˈɡʲej ˈvʲiktərəvʲɪdʑ ɡɐnʲˈtɕar; born 13 April 1974) is a Russian former professional ice hockey player who is currently a Defensive D ...
scored his first goal of the series, his first in 23 playoff games dating back to game two of the Penguins' first-round series against Ottawa in
2008 2008 was designated as: *International Year of Languages *International Year of Planet Earth *International Year of the Potato *International Year of Sanitation The Great Recession, a worldwide recession which began in 2007, continued throu ...
, to break the tie at 2:19 of the third period. Crosby added an empty-net goal and the Penguins eliminated the Flyers and advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Three days after the Penguins series-clinching victory of the Flyers, the Penguins announced that Head Coach Dan Bylsma had signed a multi-year contract extension with the team.


Eastern Conference semi-finals

The Penguins drew a matchup with the
Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...
in the second round semi-finals. The anticipation for the series was high considering the rivalry between the teams and star players, most notably Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins and
Alexander Ovechkin Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin (, ; born 17September 1985) is a Russian professional ice hockey Winger (ice hockey), left winger and Captain (ice hockey), captain of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). Nicknamed "the ...
and
Alexander Semin Alexander Valeryevich Semin (, ; born 3 March 1984) is a Russian former professional ice hockey winger. He last played with HC Vityaz of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) the top league in Russia. He previously played in the National Hocke ...
of the Capitals. The first three games in the series were scheduled for national television in the U.S., with game one on
NBC The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network serving as the flagship property of the NBC Entertainment division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast. It is one of NBCUniversal's ...
and games two and three on
Versus Versus (Latin, 'against') may refer to: Film and television * ''Versus'' (2000 film), a Japanese zombie film * ''Versus'' (2016 film), a Russian sports drama film * ''Versus'' (2019 film), a French thriller film * Versus (TV channel), form ...
. Game 1 was held in Washington, where Capitals owner
Ted Leonsis Theodore John Leonsis (born January 8, 1957) is an American businessman. He is a former senior executive with America Online (AOL) and the founder, chairman, and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NHL's Washington Capitals, ...
took steps to prevent Penguins' fans from purchasing tickets, such as not selling tickets to customers whose 724 or 412
area code A telephone numbering plan is a type of numbering scheme used in telecommunication to assign telephone numbers to subscriber telephones or other telephony endpoints. Telephone numbers are the addresses of participants in a telephone network, rea ...
indicated they were from
Western Pennsylvania Western Pennsylvania is a region in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the Unite ...
. Crosby scored to give the Penguins a first period lead, but Washington scored two goals before the conclusion of the period. Mark Eaton tied the game in the second period, but Washington's
Semyon Varlamov Semyon Aleksandrovich Varlamov ( rus, links=y, Семён Александрович Варламов, , sʲɪˈmʲɵn vɐrˈlaməf; born 27 April 1988) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender for the New York Islanders of the National H ...
held the Penguins scoreless for the remainder of the game as the Capitals took a 1–0 lead in the series. The game had 40% more viewers than playoff games the previous season. In Game 2, Ovechkin and Crosby scored three goals each, though
Dave Steckel David Steckel (born March 15, 1982) is an American former professional ice hockey center. He played in the National Hockey League for the Washington Capitals, the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks, before finishing his h ...
's second period goal was the difference as Washington won 4–3. The series moved to Pittsburgh for Game 3 with the Penguins down 2–0. Goals from Ruslan Fedotenko, Nicklas Backstrom, Ovechkin and Malkin left the game tied after regulation. Kris Letang scored a powerplay goal 11 minutes into overtime, winning the game for the Penguins. Pittsburgh tied the series at two games apiece after a 5–3 Game 4 victory at Mellon Arena. After a Washington goal scored less than a minute into regulation, the Penguins responded with three goals in the first period. The Penguins' five goals came from five different players. During the first period, Sergei Gonchar was forced to leave the game after a knee-on-knee hit from Ovechkin; Gonchar returned to the Penguins' line-up for Game 7. Game 5 took place in Washington, D.C., the next day, due to the scheduling of a
Yanni Yiannis Chryssomallis (; born November 14, 1954), known professionally as Yanni ( ), is a Greek composer, keyboardist, pianist, and music producer. Yanni continues to use the musical shorthand that he developed as a child, blending jazz, clas ...
concert in Pittsburgh. After a scoreless first period, Washington took a 2–1 lead in the second. Fedotenko tied the game less than a minute into the third period, but a goal by Matt Cooke was matched by Ovechkin and the game went into overtime. With one second remaining in their second powerplay of the game, Malkin scored to give the Penguins their third consecutive victory. Game 6 was the third overtime game of the series. Washington forced a seventh game with a 5–4 victory. Nine different players scored goals in the game. In the final game of the series, Pittsburgh scored two goals within eight seconds of one another to take a 2–0 lead after Fleury stopped Ovechkin on a breakaway. Pittsburgh scored three more goals in the second period, extending their lead to 5–0, before Ovechkin scored his eighth goal of the series. Each team added a goal in the final period to end the game with a 6–2 final score. Ovechkin scored eight goals and added six assists in the series, while Crosby tallied eight goals and five assists. Crosby's 13-point tally in the series totalled one less than Ovechkin's 14 points, which was the highest single-series point total since the 1995 playoffs. While shaking hands following the final game, Crosby told Ovechkin he had played a "great series," to which Ovechkin responded, "win the Stanley Cup."


Eastern Conference Final

Pittsburgh faced the
Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes (colloquially known as the Canes) are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Hurricanes compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Con ...
in the Eastern Conference Final, after Carolina defeated the
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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...
and
New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a 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 Conference. The club w ...
. The series opened in Pittsburgh, where Miroslav Satan and
Philippe Boucher Philippe Boucher (born March 24, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League. He was the general manager of the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL from 2019 to 2023. He also served ...
scored their first goals of the playoffs. Marc-Andre Fleury was named the game's third star after making 23 saves and helping the Penguins to a 3–2 victory. In Game 2, Malkin scored a hat-trick and
Chris Kunitz Christopher Kunitz (born September 26, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He played for the Anaheim Ducks (where he won his first Stanley Cup in 2007), Atlanta Thrashers, the ...
scored his first goal of the playoffs as the Penguins won 7–4, taking a two games to none series lead. In Game 3, Malkin scored two goals and Crosby scored one as the Penguins took a 3–1 lead into the first intermission. After a scoreless second period, the Hurricanes came within a goal after
Sergei Samsonov Sergei Viktorovich Samsonov (; born October 27, 1978) is a Russian former professional ice hockey forward who is now a scout for the Carolina Hurricanes. He played in the NHL with six teams from 1997 to 2011, most notably for the Boston Bruins. I ...
scored less than two minutes into the final period, but goals by Fedotenko, Craig Adams and Guerin gave the Penguins a 6–2 victory. The series concluded with the Penguins sweeping, four games to none. In the series' fourth game, Pittsburgh gave up the initial goal less than two minutes into the opening period, but goals from Fedotenko and Talbot gave them the lead after the first period. A second period goal from Guerin and an empty netter from Adams sealed the Penguins' victory in the game and the series. Following Game 4, Crosby hoisted 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 Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII and then Duke of Windsor), it has been awarded for different ac ...
after refusing to touch it the previous season. As team captain, Mario Lemieux hoisted the Prince of Wales Trophy in 1991 and 1992, and the Penguins won the Stanley Cup each time.


Stanley Cup Finals

For the second consecutive season, the Penguins played the
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 ...
in the
Stanley Cup Finals The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, ) is the annual championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL). The winner is awarded the Stanley Cup, North America's oldest professional spo ...
, marking the first time in 25 years that two teams played each other in consecutive Finals. Tickets for Games 3 and 4, which were hosted at Mellon Arena, sold out in 10 minutes. In the first game of the series, the Red Wings scored the first goal when a puck shot by
Brad Stuart Bradley Stuart (born November 6, 1979) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played in over 1,000 career games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, D ...
ricocheted off the boards behind the goal, then bounced off Marc-Andre Fleury and into the net. Ruslan Fedotenko, with an assist from Evgeni Malkin, tied the game before the conclusion of the first period. Detroit went on to score a goal in each of the final two periods to win Game 1, 3–1. Evgeni Malkin scored a powerplay goal in the first period of game two, but the Penguins were held scoreless for the remainder of the contest; falling 3–1 for a second consecutive game. With the Penguins down two games to none, the series shifted to Pittsburgh for Game 3. After a 2–2 first period and a scoreless second period, Sergei Gonchar and Maxime Talbot each scored a goal in the third period to give the Penguins a 4–2 victory. In Game 4, the Penguins tied the Red Wings at two games apiece with three unanswered goals in the second period, including a shorthanded goal by Jordan Staal. With the series returning to Detroit, the Red Wings took a three games to two lead in the series with a 5–0 win. Staal and Tyler Kennedy scored as the Penguins tied the series at three games apiece in a 2–1 game six victory. In the seventh and final game of the series, Maxime Talbot scored two goals and Fleury made 23 saves as the Penguins won their third Stanley Cup in franchise history. Evgeni Malkin won the
Conn Smythe Trophy The Conn Smythe Trophy () is awarded annually to the most valuable player (MVP) of his team during the National Hockey League's (NHL) Stanley Cup playoffs. It is named after Conn Smythe, the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the ...
as the MVP of the playoffs. Fans celebrated in the streets of Pittsburgh after the game, with the Stanley Cup victory coming four months after the
Pittsburgh Steelers The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team based in Pittsburgh. The Steelers compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) AFC North, North division. Founded in 1933 P ...
' victory in
Super Bowl XLIII Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champions Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference (NFC) champions Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League (NFL) champ ...
. Two days after the victory, 375,000 people attended a parade of the Cup through downtown Pittsburgh.


Playoff log

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 1 , , April 15, ,
Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...
, , 1–4, , Pittsburgh, , , ,
Crosby Crosby may refer to: Places Canada *Crosby, Ontario, part of the township of Rideau Lakes, Ontario *Crosby, Ontario, a neighbourhood in the city of Markham, Ontario England *Crosby, Cumbria *Crosby, Lincolnshire *Crosby, Merseyside **Crosby (UK P ...
, ''
Kennedy Kennedy may refer to: People * Kennedy (surname), including any of several people with that surname ** Kennedy family, a prominent American political family that includes: *** Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (1888–1969), American businessman, investor, ...
'',
Malkin Malkin as a surname may refer to: * Arthur Malkin (1803–1888), English writer, alpinist and cricketer * Barry Malkin (1938–2019), American film editor * Benjamin Heath Malkin (1769–1842), antiquary and author * Chris Malkin (born 1967), Engl ...
, Eaton, ,
Gagne Gagne and Gagné are two distinct French surnames. The name Gagné is more common in France. Gagne is also the name of three minor French rivers. People with these surnames include: Gagne * Al Gagne (1941–2020), American curler *Greg Gagne (baseb ...
, , Fleury (1–0), , 17,132, , 1–0

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , April 17, , Philadelphia, , 2–3, , Pittsburgh, , 18:29, , Malkin, Bill Guerin, Guerin, ''Guerin (OT)'', ,
Hartnell Hartnell is an English surname. Notable people with this surname include the following: * Andy Hartnell, American comic book writer * Bryan Calvin Hartnell, only survivor of the Zodiac Killer in California, 1969 * John Hartnell, English seaman an ...
, Powe, , Fleury (2–0), , 17,132, , 2–0

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 3 , , April 19, , Pittsburgh, , 3–6, , Philadelphia, , , , Malkin, Rob Scuderi, Scuderi, Malkin, ,
Carter Carter(s), or Carter's, Tha Carter, or The Carter(s), may refer to: Geography United States * Carter, Arkansas, an unincorporated community * Carter, Mississippi, an unincorporated community * Carter, Montana, a census-designated place * Carter ...
,
Richards Richards may refer to: *Richards (surname) In places: * Richards, New South Wales, Australia * Richards, Missouri, United States * Richards, Texas, United States In other uses: * Richards (lunar crater), on the Moon See also * Richard (dis ...
,
Giroux Giroux is a French language, French surname. Notable people with the surname include: * Alexandre Giroux, Canadian ice hockey player * André Giroux (painter), French photographer and painter * André Giroux (writer), Canadian writer * Art Giroux, ...
,
''Gagne'',
Ross Ross may refer to: People and fictional characters * Ross (name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the surname or given name Ross, as well as the meaning * Clan Ross, a Highland Scottish clan Places Antarctica * Ross Sea ...
, Gagne ( en) , , Fleury (2–1), , 19,745, , 2–1

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , April 21, , Pittsburgh, , 3–1, , Philadelphia, , , , Crosby, ''Kennedy'', Maxime Talbot, Talbot (en), , Carcillo, , Fleury (3–1), , 19,745, , 3–1

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 5 , , April 23, , Philadelphia, , 3–0, , Pittsburgh, , , , , , '' Arron Asham, Asham'', Giroux, Knuble, , Fleury (3–2), , 17,132, , 3–2

, - style="background:#cff;" , 6 , , April 25, , Pittsburgh, , 5–3, , Philadelphia, , , , Ruslan Fedotenko, Fedotenko, Eaton, Crosby,
'' Gonchar'', Crosby (en), , Knuble, Lupul, Briere, , Fleury (4–2), , 20,072, , 4–2

, - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 1 , , May 2, , Pittsburgh, , 2–3, , Washington Capitals, Washington, , , , Crosby, Eaton, , Steckel, Ovechkin, Fleischmann, , Fleury (4–3), , 18,277, , 0–1

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 2 , , May 4, , Pittsburgh, , 3–4, , Washington, , , , Crosby (3), , Ovechkin, Steckel, ''Ovechkin (2)'', , Fleury (4–4), , 18,277, , 0–2

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , May 6, , Washington, , 2–3, , Pittsburgh, , 11:23, , Fedotenko, Malkin, '' Kris Letang, Letang'' , , Ovechkin, Backstrom, , Fleury (5–4), , 17,132, , 1–2

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , May 8, , Washington, , 3–5, , Pittsburgh, , , , Gonchar, Guerin, Fedotenko, ''Crosby'', Talbot, , Backstrom, Chris Clark (ice hockey), Clark, Jurcina, , Fleury (6–4), , 17,132, , 2–2

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , May 9, , Pittsburgh, , 4–3, , Washington, , 3:28, , Jordan Staal, Staal, Fedotenko,
Cooke Cooke is a surname of English and Irish origin derived from the occupation of cook and anglicisation of various Gaelic names. Variants include Cook and McCook. Irish surname origin Cooke (rather than Cook) is the usual spelling of the surnam ...
, ''Malkin'', , Ovechkin, Backstrom, Ovechkin, , Fleury (7–4), , 18,277, , 3–2

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 6 , , May 11, , Washington, , 5–4, , Pittsburgh, , 6:22, , Guerin, Eaton, Letang, Crosby, , Viktor Kozlov, Kozlov, Fleischmann, Laich, Kozlov, ''Steckel'', , Fleury (7–5), , 17,132, , 3–3

, - style="background:#cff;" , 7 , , May 13, , Pittsburgh, , 6–2, , Washington, , , , Crosby, Craig Adams (ice hockey), Adams, ''Guerin'', Letang, Staal, Crosby, , Ovechkin, Laich, , Fleury (8–5), , 18,277, , 4–3

, - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 1 , , May 18, , Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina, , 2–3, , Pittsburgh, , , ,
Satan Satan, also known as the Devil, is a devilish entity in Abrahamic religions who seduces humans into sin (or falsehood). In Judaism, Satan is seen as an agent subservient to God, typically regarded as a metaphor for the '' yetzer hara'', or ' ...
, Malkin, '' Boucher'', , LaRose, Corvo, , Fleury (9–5), , 17,132, , 1–0

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , May 21, , Carolina, , 4–7, , Pittsburgh, , , , Crosby, Malkin, Talbot, Chris Kunitz, Kunitz, ''Malkin'' 2, Kennedy, , Larose, Jokinen, Seidenberg,
Eaves The eaves are the edges of the roof which overhang the face of a wall and, normally, project beyond the side of a building. The eaves form an overhang to throw water clear of the walls and may be highly decorated as part of an architectural sty ...
, , Fleury (10–5), , 17,132, , 2–0

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , May 23, , Pittsburgh, , 6–2, , Carolina, , , , Malkin, Crosby, ''Malkin'' 2, Fedotenko, Adams, Guerin, , Matt Cullen, Cullen, Samsonov, , Fleury (11–5), , 18,789, , 3–0

, - style="background:#cff;" , 4 , , May 26, , Pittsburgh, , 4–1, , Carolina, , , , Fedotenko, ''Talbot'', Guerin, Adams, , Eric Staal, Staal, , Fleury (12–5), , 18,680, , 4–0

, - , - style="background:#fcf;" , 1 , , May 30, , Pittsburgh, , 1–3, , Detroit Red Wings, Detroit, , , , Fedotenko, ,
Stuart Stuart may refer to: People *Stuart (name), a given name and surname (and list of people with the name) * Clan Stuart of Bute, a Scottish clan *House of Stuart, a royal house of Scotland and England Places Australia Generally *Stuart Highway, ...
, '' Franzen'', Abdelkader, , Fleury (12–6), , 20,066, , 0–1

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 2 , , May 31, , Pittsburgh, , 1–3, , Detroit, , , , Malkin, , Jonathan Ericsson, Ericsson, '' Filppula'', Abdelkader, , Fleury (12–7), , 20,066, , 0–2

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , June 2, , Detroit, , 2–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Talbot, Letang, ''Gonchar'', Talbot, , Henrik Zetterberg, Zetterberg, Franzen, , Fleury (13–7), , 17,132, , 1–2

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , June 4, , Detroit, , 2–4, , Pittsburgh, , , , Malkin, Staal, ''Crosby'', Kennedy , , Darren Helm, Helm,
Stuart Stuart may refer to: People *Stuart (name), a given name and surname (and list of people with the name) * Clan Stuart of Bute, a Scottish clan *House of Stuart, a royal house of Scotland and England Places Australia Generally *Stuart Highway, ...
, , Fleury (14–7), , 17,132, , 2–2

, - style="background:#fcf;" , 5 , , June 6, , Pittsburgh, , 0–5, , Detroit, , , , , , '' Daniel Cleary, Cleary'', Filppula, Kronwall, Rafalski, Zetterberg, , Fleury (14–8), , 20,066, , 2–3

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 6 , , June 9, , Detroit, , 1–2, , Pittsburgh, , , , Staal, ''Kennedy'', , Kris Draper, Draper, , Fleury (15–8), , 17,132, , 3–3

, - style="background:#cff;" , 7 , , June 12, , Pittsburgh, , 2–1, , Detroit, , , , ''Talbot (2)'', , Ericsson, , Fleury (16–8), , 20,066, , 4–3

, - , - , ''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


Records


Milestones


Awards

Prior to the team's final home game on April 9 against 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 (N ...
, the team announced its annual award winners. Awards were given by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the Penguins Booster Club, as well as voted amongst the team.


Transactions

Concerns over future player contracts were raised just days after the
2008 Stanley Cup Finals The 2008 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 2007–08 season, and the culmination of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings a ...
. Approximately a dozen players, including Marián Hossa, Marian Hossa,
Jarkko Ruutu Jarkko Samuli Ruutu (); born 23 August 1975) is a Finnish people, Finnish former professional ice hockey Forward (ice hockey), forward who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Ottawa Senators ...
,
Ryan Malone Ryan Gregory Malone (born December 1, 1979), nicknamed "Bugsy", is an American former professional ice hockey forward. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. In 2003 ...
and
Brooks Orpik Richard Brooks Orpik (born September 26, 1980) is an American former professional ice hockey Defenceman, defenseman who played for the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL). A stay-at-home defenseman ...
, had fulfilled the final year on their contracts. On June 28, the Penguins traded the contract negotiation rights to Gary Roberts and
Ryan Malone Ryan Gregory Malone (born December 1, 1979), nicknamed "Bugsy", is an American former professional ice hockey forward. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers. In 2003 ...
to the
Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning (colloquially known as the Bolts) are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the ...
for a conditional draft pick; it became a third-round pick when both Malone and Roberts signed with the Lightning on June 30.
Evgeni Malkin Evgeni Vladimirovich Malkin ( rus, Евге́ний Влади́мирович Ма́лкин, p=jɪvˈɡʲenʲɪj ˈmalkʲɪn; born 31 July 1986) is a Russian professional ice hockey Centre (ice hockey), centre and alternate captain (ice hockey ...
was offered a contract from a Russian team in the newly formed
Kontinental Hockey League The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL; ) is an international professional ice hockey league founded in 2008. It comprises member clubs based in Russia (20), Belarus (1), Kazakhstan (1), and China (1) for a total of 23 clubs. It was considered in ...
(KHL) worth approximately $12.5 million, tax exempt, per year, which would make him the highest-paid hockey player in the world. However, Malkin turned down the offer to remain with the Penguins, and the
IIHF The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF; ; ) is a worldwide governing body for ice hockey. It is based in Zurich, Switzerland, and has 84 member countries. The IIHF maintains the IIHF World Ranking based on international ice hockey tourn ...
released a statement saying that it would not honor the offer, as Malkin was already under an existing contract with the Penguins at the time. Malkin agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $8.7 million per year—the same value as Sidney Crosby's contract—with the Penguins on July 2. On July 3, the Penguins agreed to a seven-year deal with restricted free agent goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury in addition to one-year contracts with free agents Miroslav Satan and
Ruslan Fedotenko Ruslan Viktorovych Fedotenko (born January 18, 1979) is a former professional ice hockey winger. A two-time Stanley Cup champion, in his National Hockey League (NHL) career he played for the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New York ...
. On October 8, the Penguins made several roster adjustments, placing
Kris Beech Kristopher Beech (born February 5, 1981) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). Beech was born in Salmon Arm, British Columbia, but grew up in Sicamous, British Columbia. Playing c ...
, who was already in Europe looking for a new team, on unconditional waivers and sending
Janne Pesonen Janne Tapani Pesonen (born 11 May 1982) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey winger who played for Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga. Playing career Pesonen began his career with Hokki in 1998, playing in the second-highest division ...
,
John Curry John Anthony Curry, (9 September 1949 – 15 April 1994) was a British figure skater. He was the 1976 European, World and Olympic Champion. He was noted for combining ballet and modern dance influences into his skating. Early life Curry was ...
and Jeff Taffe, who first had to clear waivers, to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The next day, on October 9, the Penguins acquired Michael Zigomanis from Phoenix for future considerations. On December 19, the team extended their agreement with
Maxime Talbot Maxime Talbot (born February 11, 1984) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins. He was drafted into ...
for an additional two seasons. ;Trades ;Free agents signed by Pittsburgh ;Signed with new team ;Claimed from waivers


Draft picks

The
2008 NHL entry draft The 2008 NHL entry draft was the 46th entry draft for the National Hockey League. It was hosted by the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, on June 20–21, 2008. The Senators were originally awarded the 2005 NHL entry draft ...
was held on June 20–21, 2008, in
Ottawa Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southern Ontario, southern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the cor ...
, Ontario. The Penguins did not make their first selection until the fourth round, at 120th overall. ;Draft notes * The Pittsburgh Penguins' first-round pick went to the
Atlanta Thrashers The Atlanta Thrashers were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta. Atlanta was granted a franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL) on June 25, 1997, and became the League's 28th franchise when it began play in the 1999–2000 NHL sea ...
as the result of a February 26, 2008 trade that sent Marián Hossa, Marian Hossa and
Pascal Dupuis Pascal Dupuis (born April 7, 1979) is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former professional ice hockey winger who is the assistant coach for the Shawinigan Cataractes of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Undrafted out of the 1997 ...
to the Penguins in exchange for
Angelo Esposito Angelo Esposito (born February 20, 1989) is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. Esposito was drafted in the first round (20th overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Playing career QMJHL Esposito's Queb ...
,
Colby Armstrong Colby Joseph Armstrong (born November 23, 1982) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger and current hockey broadcaster. He was selected in the first round, 21st overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2001 NHL entry draft. Armstr ...
, Erik Christensen and this pick. * The Pittsburgh Penguins' second-round pick went to 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. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...
as the result of a February 26, 2008 trade that sent
Hal Gill Harold Priestley Gill III (born April 6, 1975) is an Americans, American former professional ice hockey defenceman, defenseman who played 16 National Hockey League, NHL seasons with six different teams, winning the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburg ...
to the Penguins in exchange for a 2009 fifth-round pick and this pick. * The Pittsburgh Penguins' third-round pick went to the
Phoenix Coyotes The Arizona Coyotes are an inactive professional ice hockey team based in the Phoenix metropolitan area. They competed in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division (1996–1998, 2021–2024) and ...
as the result of a February 27, 200 trade that sent
Georges Laraque Georges Laraque (; born December 7, 1976) is a Canadians, Canadian former ice hockey player noted for being one the most successful hockey Enforcer_(ice_hockey), enforcers of his time. Laraque retired from hockey in 2010 after the Montreal Cana ...
to the Penguins in exchange for Daniel Carcillo and this pick.


Farm teams

Pittsburgh's
American Hockey League The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league in North America that serves as the primary developmental league of the National Hockey League (NHL). The league comprises 32 teams, with 26 in the United States and 6 in Cana ...
affiliate, the
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (sometimes known as the WBS Penguins) are a professional ice hockey team based in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. They are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Pengui ...
, finished the 2008–09 season third in the East Division. Chris Minard, the AHL's leading goal scorer at time of announcement, was selected as a starter for Team Canada in the 2009 All Star Classic. Jeff Taffe and Ben Lovejoy were selected as reserves for the PlanetUSA team. All three players were under two-way NHL contracts and played games with Pittsburgh during the season. In the game, Taffe scored three goals and recorded two assists.
Janne Pesonen Janne Tapani Pesonen (born 11 May 1982) is a Finnish former professional ice hockey winger who played for Oulun Kärpät of the Finnish Liiga. Playing career Pesonen began his career with Hokki in 1998, playing in the second-highest division ...
, who signed a contract with the Penguins in July 2008, finished the 2008–09 season as the AHL's fourth-leading scorer, set a new record for points in a single season for the team, surpassing
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 Pittsbur ...
's 67-point season in 2000–01, and his 82 points were the most ever by a Finn in AHL history. The
ECHL The ECHL (formerly the East Coast Hockey League) is a minor professional ice hockey league based in Shrewsbury, New Jersey, with teams across the United States and Canada. Competitively, it is a tier below the American Hockey League (AHL). The ...
affiliate
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 the
season A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's axial tilt, tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperat ...
fourth in the Northern Division, and were eliminated in the first round of the
2009 Kelly Cup Playoffs The 2009 Kelly Cup Playoffs of the ECHL began on April 9, 2009. The 16 teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played a best-of-7 series for division semifinals, finals and conference finals. The conference champions played a best-o ...
. The Nailers had three players selected for the 2009
ECHL All-Star Game The ECHL All-Star Game is an exhibition ice hockey game that traditionally marks the midway point of the ECHL's regular season, with many of the league's star players playing against each other. The starting lineup for the teams, including the star ...
, all reserve forwards. Nick Johnson, the only Penguins prospect, was drafted by the team 67th overall in
2004 2004 was designated as an International Year of Rice by the United Nations, and the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and Its Abolition (by UNESCO). Events January * January 3 – Flash Airlines Flight 60 ...
and signed an entry-level contract with the organization in March 2008. Johnson did not play in the All-Star Game because he finished the season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.


Media affiliates

WXDX-FM WXDX-FM (105.9 Hertz, MHz) is a commercial radio station that is located in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Known as ''105.9 The X'', it airs an alternative rock radio format and is owned by iHeartMedia. Its radio studio, studios and off ...
105.9 of Pittsburgh was the radio
flagship station In broadcasting, a flagship (also known as a flagship station or key station) is the broadcast station which originates a television network, or a particular radio or television program that plays a key role in the branding of and consumer loyal ...
for the Penguins for the third season. In April, the team and the station agreed to a six-year contract extension.
Mike Lange Mike Lange (March 3, 1948 – February 19, 2025) was an American sportscaster best known for his 46-year career as a play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Lange served as the team's play-by-play a ...
, former Penguin
Phil Bourque Phillipe Richard Bourque (born June 8, 1962) is an American former professional ice hockey player. He was never selected in the NHL Entry Draft; instead, he was signed as a free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 4, 1982. He is a dist ...
and Bob Grove were the station's broadcasters. FSN Pittsburgh was the primary television network.
Paul Steigerwald Paul Steigerwald (born August 6, 1954) is an American sportscaster, who through the 2016–17 NHL season first worked as the Pittsburgh Penguins' color commentator and then the TV play-by-play announcer on Root Sports Pittsburgh (now SportsNet ...
, Dan Potash,
Rob King Rob King (born 1970 in Los Angeles) has (along with Paul Romero) composed the music for the Heroes of Might and Magic, Might and Magic series and additional music for the MMORPG Everquest. He also created music and character sound effects for E ...
, and former Penguins
Bob Errey Robert Errey (born September 21, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left wing and former sportscaster for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted 15th overall by Pittsburgh in the 1983 NHL Entr ...
and
Jay Caufield John Jay Caufield (born July 17, 1960) is an American former ice hockey right winger. He played in the National Hockey League with the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars, and Pittsburgh Penguins from 1987 to 1993. With the Penguins he won t ...
were the station's broadcast team. During the semi-final playoff round against the Washington Capitals, game five set a record as the highest watched game on any FSN regional network in history. It was then surpassed by games six and seven; the final game of the series drew a 24.97 average rating—twice the viewers than the second most watched show of the evening.


See also

*
2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation (91st season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL). It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the sea ...


References

{{DEFAULTSORT:2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins Season Pittsburgh Penguins seasons P Eastern Conference (NHL) championship seasons Stanley Cup championship seasons Pitts Pitts Pitts 2008 in Pittsburgh 2009 in Pittsburgh