PITTSBURGH, Pa. — 24 years ago today, when the Penguins and Blackhawks took to the ice at Chicago Stadium, it was the first time a Stanley Cup game had been played in June.
By the end of the night, the Penguins had completed a four-game sweep to make it back-to-back Cup titles.
The Blackhawks entered that series with 11 consecutive wins, but the Penguins finished the season (including that series) with 11 straight victories and a championship.
With 5 goals and 2 assists in 4 games, Penguins captain Mario Lemieux became only the second player to win consecutive Conn Smythe Trophies as playoff MVP.
After the game, Mario celebrated with his teammates, and then, in the hallway outside the Penguins locker room, Lemieux gave me a “taste” of the championship when he doused me with bubbly, pouring champagne over my head during a live television interview.
It would be 16 years before the Penguins returned to the Stanley Cup Final, and 17 years before they added a third Cup to their collection, but my memory of that second Cup remains crystal clear.
It was a perfect night for the Pittsburgh Penguins, and for a Pittsburgh native who was fortunate to find a way to the middle of the Stanley Cup celebration!
Cox Media Group
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