Classic Pens: The 50 Greatest Games in Pittsburgh Penguins History - Second Edition
Includes the 2016 Stanley Cup Championship Series
This updated second edition of Classic Pens chronicles the Pittsburgh Penguins' most memorable contests, from the franchise's beginnings in the 1960s through their triumphant 2016 Stanley Cup victory. Author David Finoli presents a comprehensive tour through five decades of Penguins hockey history, documenting the team's transformation from financial instability to NHL powerhouse.
From Last Place to Championship Glory
During the Penguins' early years at the Civic Arena (the "Igloo"), $5 tickets and sparse crowds were the norm. The franchise struggled financially through three decades before the pivotal 1983-84 season brought 18-year-old Mario Lemieux from Montreal. Lemieux's arrival marked the turning point, lifting the Penguins to back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992 alongside teammates Jaromir Jagr, Tom Barrasso, Ron Francis, Joe Mullen, Kevin Stevens, Larry Murphy, and Paul Coffey.
The Modern Dynasty
In 1999, Mario Lemieux headed a group that purchased the club, beginning a renaissance that brought a new generation of stars. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, Kris Letang, and Jordan Staal restored the Penguins to championship form, securing the third Stanley Cup in 2009 and the fourth in 2016 by defeating the San Jose Sharks 4-2. The team's success also brought the Consol Energy Center, one of the NHL's premier facilities.
What's Inside
This revised edition features detailed accounts of 50 standout games that define Penguins history. Each game is presented with context, key moments, and significance to the franchise's legacy. From the early struggles to the modern dynasty's tenth consecutive playoff appearance in 2016, this book captures the complete arc of Pittsburgh hockey excellence.
Published by Kent State University Press in paperback format, this 2017 edition provides longtime fans with a nostalgic journey through franchise highlights while introducing newer supporters to the rich history that built today's Penguins organization.
