It weren't surprising which your Pittsburgh Penguins were awarded an expansion franchise from the NHL in 1966. The investor group vying for any franchise included a part of America's (and they all Pittsburghers) most influential captains of industry. The names included Heinz, Mellon and Pittsburgh Steeler owner Art Rooney. Because of this it began in the hockey fans of Pittsburgh. Because of this for a backdrop, let us take a look around the Penguin fortunes in recent times.
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Typically, practically sport, expansion teams usually do less then well during their initial years. Obvious not operate went for that Penguins. They ended their debut season (1967-68) with only four more losses than wins. This really hardly great, but isn't to bad this time for a new team. And also they performed a feat of embarrassing among the list of NHL's "Original Six" that has a 4-2 defeat above the Chicago Blackhawks.
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1969 was obviously a year of optimism Pittsburgh fans. The c's were land a budding rookie superstar known as Michel Briere. He created more points than some other rookie during that 69-70 season. The club rode his talent all the way on the Western semi-finals, where they ultimately lost on the St. Louis Blues four games to 2. Not surprisingly outcome, fans in the Pens were ecstatic concerning the team's future.
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Shortly after the Penguins' playoff run, fans were horrified to determine from the news of their total new star Briere. While driving in Quebec, Briere have a catastrophic crash. He suffered massive head injuries. He was fully comatose in a 12 month, and subsequently deceased shortly thereafter.
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Let's fast forward to the NHL draft of 1984. To say it's a landmark occasion to the Penguin franchise is absolutely not a fitness in hyperbole. That it was only at that draft how they got their mitts a person that would try that they are arguably the biggest of all time. This primary pick on the draft had not been without controversy. Many rival executives felt of the fact that Pens went within the tank usually in the end of the season to make sure of the first overall draft pick.
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Whether or not it was true, simple fact still remained of the fact that newest Penguin was Mario Lemieux. The accomplishments of Lemieux are typically but endless. He led his team to championship victories in 1991 and 1992. He was won literally a wide selection of trophies and awards. And among his amazing feats are these claims gem: in a game from the Nj Devils, he scored all five good ways. He scored about the penalty shot, empty net, shorthanded, regular strength and also a power play.
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When rivaling teams (and fans) were able to finally sigh with relief that Lemieux was retiring, another superstar Penguin came on the scene. Which may be Sidney Crosby. At 21 he was crowned youngest captain to guide his team within the Cup. His awards currently were still well less than the battery life of Lemieux.
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Today, the Pittsburgh Penguins remain a great force in the league. They can be discovered at or presents itself the standings. Oh, plus they continue to have Sidney Crosby skating around and make up a difference.
