Penguins Working Towards Consistency in 2023-24, and Big Dates in Penguins History
Welcome to the THW Pittsburgh Penguins Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Penguins writers.
Today we look at some early returns from the 2023-24 season, how Erik Karlsson looks in his new surroundings, and how players from Sidney Crosby to Noel Acciari look so far. From there we take a walk down memory lane for not one, but two games from Mario Lemieux from this week in the past.
It would also be fantastic if you’d share our Penguins Substack Newsletter with your friends and family so that they can subscribe and enjoy every day.
Now on to the good stuff…
Pittsburgh Are Working Towards Staying Consistent
October 16, 2023 by Sylvie McCarthy
The Pittsburgh Penguins began their regular season on Tuesday, Oct. 10 against the Chicago Blackhawks. This was probably one of the most anticipated season openers for both fan bases with the Blackhawks debuting Connor Bedard, the number one pick in the draft this year, and the Penguins’ new and improved roster on display. However, the game left Pittsburgh fans with a familiar taste of disappointment in their mouths. A blown lead coupled with poor defense and a lack of bottom-six involvement makes it hard not to wonder if history will repeat itself this season.
Today in Hockey History: Oct. 15
October 15, 2023 by Matt Zator
Wayne Gretzky took his place at the top of the scoring list on this date in 1989. Plus, if you wore a hat to a game on Oct. 15, there is an excellent chance you threw it on the ice before the end of the night. It’s time for our daily trip back through the years to relive all the best moments this date has to offer.
Mario Lemieux had himself one heck of a night, on Oct. 15, 1988, in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 9-2 win over the visiting St. Louis Blues. He factored in eight of the nine goals by scoring two of them and assisting on six others. His linemate Rob Brown benefitted by scoring the first hat trick of his career. Lemieux’s eight points are still tied for the second-most all-time in a single game.
Today in Hockey History: Oct. 11
October 11, 2023 by Matt Zator
Oct. 11 has been a very busy day in NHL history, with the expansion era officially beginning in 1967. Plus, there were memorable moments and milestones by some of the legendary names of the game. It’s time for our daily trip back through the years to relive all the best this date has given us.
When the Pittsburgh Penguins took the ice at the old Boston Garden on Oct. 11, 1984, their franchise was changed forever. The first overall pick of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft put his No. 66 sweater on for the first time and made an immediate impression.
Mario Lemieux, on his very first NHL shift, got past fellow future Hockey Hall of Famer Ray Bourque before beating goaltender Pete Peeters for his first career goal on his very first shot.