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Penguins History

  • Penguins Founded

    Penguins Founded
    The Penguins were part of the "Next Six" that joined the NHL in 1967. The other teams that joined the league at the time were the St. Louis Blues, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers and California Golden Seals.
  • Penguins First Game

    Penguins First Game
    The Penguins played their first regular season game on Oct. 11, 1967. It was a 2-1 loss to the Montreal Canadiens.
  • Penguins First Win

    Penguins First Win
    The Penguins beat the St. Louis Blues 3-1 for the franchie's first win on Oct. 13, 1967.
  • Michel Briere's Death

    Michel Briere's Death
    Michel Briere was considered to be the first superstar that the Penguins ever had. But his career and his life ended far too soon as he was in a car accident in 1970 and was in a coma until he died in 1971. His number, 21, was retired by the Penguins.
  • Mario Lemieux Drafted

    Mario Lemieux Drafted
    When Mario Lemieux was drafted by the Penguins as the first pick overall in the 1984 draft, it changed the franchise forever. People knew Lemieux was going to be great -- the Montreal Canadiens offered to trade the Penguins their entire roster to get the draft pick so that they could take Lemieux.
  • Lemieux's first MVP Award

    Lemieux's first MVP Award
    Mario Lemieux won his first MVP Award in 1985. He would win two more later in his career.
  • Penguins First Stanley Cup

    Penguins First Stanley Cup
    The Penguins won their first Stanley Cup in 1991 against the Minnesota North Stars, in six games. Lemieux was awarded the Conn Smyth Trophy as playoff MVP.
  • Penguins Second Stanley Cup

    Penguins Second Stanley Cup
    The Penguins won their second straight and second overall Cup in 1992, beating the Chicago Blackhawks in four games. Lemieux was once again the Conn Smyth Trophy winner as playoff MVP.
  • Penguins Announce Lemieux Has Cancer

    Penguins Announce Lemieux Has Cancer
    The Penguins announced that Mario Lemieux has Hodgkin's Disease and will begin treatment.
  • Lemieux Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

    Lemieux Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
    Mario Lemieux decided to retire in 1997 and was immediately inducted into the Hcokey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
  • Mario's Comeback

    Mario's Comeback
    Mario Lemieux confirmed rumors and returned to the NHL in 2000 in glorious fashion, helping the Penguins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in Pittsburgh.
  • Sidney Crosby Drafted

    Sidney Crosby Drafted
    The Penguins won the NHL Draft Lottery and selected Sidney Crosby number one overall in 2005.
  • Penguins Third Stanley Cup

    Penguins Third Stanley Cup
    The Penguins won their third and latest Stanley Cup title in 2009 against the Detroit Red Wings.