This Date In Sports History: The Pittsburgh Penguins Advance To The Stanley Cup Final For The First Time Since 1992

By Jordan Long

The 2008 Pittsburgh Penguins made the postseason with a record of 47-27-8, for a total of 102 points, 2^nd most in the Eastern Conference, only the Montreal Canadians had more at 104 points.  When the playoffs started, Pittsburgh was looking for a deep run.  They hadn’t advanced past the 1^st-round since 2001.  That season they lost to the New Jersey Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals.  In 2008 they knocked off the Ottawa Senators and the New York Rangers.  On this date in 2008, Pittsburgh faced the Philadelphia Flyers, looking to reach the Stanley Cup Final.

                Pittsburgh dominated the first 3 games and outscored Philadelphia 12-5.  It looked like it was going to be a sweep for the Penguins.  Philadelphia ended up winning game 4, 4-2 to force a game 5.  Heading into game 5, the pressure was still on Philadelphia.  If they won, game 6 would be in their building for a chance to extend the series to game 7.  Pittsburgh knew they were on home ice and a win would end Philadelphia’s season.

                Pittsburgh started their number 1 goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.  At the other end, Martin Biron was between the pipes for Philadelphia.  Both of these goaltenders knew they had to play well for their team to have a chance at a victory.

                Pittsburgh came out flying.  They had chances to score early and often and lit the lamp twice, the first a power play goal by Ryan Malone 2 minutes and 30 seconds into the game. 7 minutes and 20 seconds later, Evgeni Malkin extended the lead.  It stood 2-0 after one period. A 2-0 lead in hockey is nothing.  If Philadelphia scored 1 they would have been back in the game.

                Pittsburgh made sure there wasn’t going to be a comeback. The Penguins scored 3 times in the 2^nd.  After 2 periods, it was 5-0, a lead that Pittsburgh wouldn’t give up.  Pittsburgh added one more in the 3^rd by Pascal Dupuis and won 6-0 to clinch the series.

                Marc-Andre Fleury played well in net for Pittsburgh.  He saw 21 shots and saved all of them.  Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Martin Biron.  He struggled to keep his team alive.  He had 19 saves on 25 shots.  

                Pittsburgh played Detroit in the Stanley Cup Final.  They were knocked off in 6 games.  On this date, we remember Pittsburgh moving on to the Final for the first time since they won it all in 1992.