The regular season is upon us... and if you're a Pittsburgh Penguins fan... it's hockey time! Here are 7 facts about the Penguins that you should know if you're really a fan.
The Penguins Original Colors Were Blue & White
In solidarity with the Pirates and Steelers, the Penguins changed the team colors in 1980 from blue and white to the iconic black and gold.
The Last Goalie To Appear on the Ice with a Mask was a Penguin
Andy Brown was a goalkeeper for the Penguins in 1973, and the last goalie to play hockey without a mask.
The Record For the Most Goals in A Short Period
During one game in 1972, the Penguins scored 5 goals in under 3 minutes.
The Penguins Mascot was Live before Iceburgh
Penguin Pete was Pittsburgh Penguins' first mascot. He was a live penguin on loan from the Pittsburgh Zoo. He first appeared on the ice in 1968 during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Only 2 Jersey Numbers have been Retired by the Penguins
#21 and #66. We all know #66 was Mario Lemieux. His jersey was actually retired twice. The first time from November 19, 1997 to December 27, 2000. And then Lemieux officially retired on January 24, 2006. A new banner was raised at the home opener on October 5, 2006
#21 Sadly, Michael Briere, who wore #21, was in a car accident following his rookie season in 1969-1970 and passed away. His jersey was officially retired on January 5th, 2001.
The Penguins Logo Has Meaning to Pittsburgh
The triangle on the Pittsburgh Penguins logo is meant to symbolize the golden triangle of downtown Pittsburgh, at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers.
1996 Was One of The Longest Games in NHL History
The 1996 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals featuring the Pens and Caps played until 2:22 a.m. Mario Lemieux was actually ejected in this game for fighting and slashing! Only six periods later, Petr Nedved scored on a power play to even the series at 2 games a piece.
Let's go Pens!
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