Established
1967
City
Pittsburgh
League History
1967 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1967 – Present / Pittsburgh Penguins
Nickname
Penguins – For decades, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been a beloved part of the National Hockey League (NHL). While many fans are familiar with their iconic black and gold uniforms, few know the origins of their nickname. The Penguins were initially called “the Pirates” when they joined the NHL in 1967, but that name was already taken by another team in Pittsburgh. So, to honor both cities’ love of hockey and its connection to penguins—which can be seen shuffling around nearby PPG Place during winter months—the franchise changed its name before ever playing a game!
Penguins are one of nature's most resilient creatures; they survive extreme temperatures and conditions while maintaining impressive energy. This is why so many sports fans find them inspiring on-ice performers: no matter what adversity comes their way, these athletes remain focused on achieving success at any cost!
The Pittsburgh Penguins' mascot is also named Iceburgh after this resilience shown by penguins living in cold climates like Antarctica or Alaska's Arctic Circle region – where some species migrate thousands upon thousands of miles each year to feed themselves or lay eggs! Additionally, Iceburgh wears number 00, which symbolizes how far away from home these animals often travel without giving up hope for better days - something we can all relate to during difficult times like now with the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing across our nation & world alike.
In conclusion, whether you're cheering from your couch or watching live games inside PPG Place, showing your support for our city's favorite hockey team proudly bears an animal symbolic of strength, determination & perseverance even under the most challenging circumstances!
Championship
Stanley Cup 5
2017, 2015, 2009, 1992, 1991
Arena
2016 – Present / PPG Paints Arena
2010 – 2016 / Consol Energy Center
1967 – 2010 / Civic Arena
Owner
1999 – Present / Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle
1997 – 1999 / Howard Baldwin, Morris Belzberg, Thomas Ruta, and Roger Marino
1991 – 1997 / Howard Baldwin, Morris Belzberg, and Thomas Ruta
1977 – 1991 / Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr.
1976 – 1977 / Al Savill and Otto Frenzel
1975 – 1976 / Al Savill, Otto Frenzel, and Wren Blair
1975 / National Hockey League
1971 – 1975 / Peter Block, Elmore Keener, and Peter Burchfield
1968 – 1971 / Donald Parsons
1965 – 1968 / Jack McGregor and Peter Block
- 1967
- 1984
- 1991
- 1992
- 1999
- 2006
- 2009
- 2016
- 2017
-
1967 Pittsburgh Penguins Team Formation
The 1967 NHL Expansion depended on securing votes from the then-current NHL owners; to ensure that Pittsburgh would be selected for expansion, McGregor enlisted Rooney to petition votes from James D. Norris, owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, and his brother Bruce Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings. The effort was successful, and on February 8, 1966, the National Hockey ... -
Mario Lemieux Drafted
The team had the league’s worst record in both the 1983 and 1984 seasons, and with the team suffering financial problems, it again looked as though the Penguins would fold. Mario Lemieux, one of the most highly touted NHL draft picks in history, was due to be drafted in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. Heading towards the end of the ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 1991
The 1991 Stanley Cup Playoffs for the National Hockey League (NHL) championship began on April 3, 1991, following the 1990 – 1991 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, from the top four teams of the four divisions, played best-of-seven series with re-seeding after the division finals. The Conference Champions played a best-of-seven series for the Stanley Cup. -
Stanley Cup Winner 1992
The 1992 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League (NHL) began on April 18, after the conclusion of the 1991 – 1992 NHL season. It was the 100th anniversary of the first awarding of the Stanley Cup, and it was won by the Pittsburgh Penguins, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks. -
Bankruptcy
The Penguins were simultaneously in the midst of a battle for their survival. Their free-spending ways in the early 1990s came with a price; at one point they owed over $90 million to various creditors. Owners Howard Baldwin and Morris Belzberg who bought the Penguins after their first Cup win asked the players to defer their salaries to help pay ... -
Drafting Sidney Crosby
Entering the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Crosby was listed first overall in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and International Scouting Services’ respective rankings of prospects. He had also won the Mike Bossy Trophy as the QMJHL’s best prospect. Crosby went on to be selected first overall in the draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins on July 30, 2005. Due to the ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2009
The 2009 Stanley Cup Final was the best-of-seven NHL championship series of the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs contested between the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins and the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings. It was Detroit’s 24th appearance in the Finals and Pittsburgh’s fourth appearance in the Finals. This was a rematch of the 2008 Finals where Detroit had defeated ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2016
The 2016 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League (NHL)’s 2015 – 2016 season and the culmination of the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs. This was the 123rd year of the Stanley Cup’s presentation. The Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Western Conference champion San Jose Sharks four games to two to win their fourth ... -
Stanley Cup Winner 2017
The 2017 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) 2016–17 season, and the culmination of the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion and defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Western Conference champion Nashville Predators, four games to two. Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as a ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are one of the most successful teams in NHL history. Founded in 1967, they have won five Stanley Cups and had numerous Hall-of-Famers on their roster throughout their storied franchise history. Some of the greatest players have led the team to lace up skates, including Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and Sidney Crosby, and they share a notable rivalry with the Philadelphia Flyers.
In the 1991–92 season under head coach Bob Johnson’s leadership, the Penguins became only the second team since 1955 to win a Stanley Cup without having a home-ice advantage during any round of playoffs. They defeated Minnesota North Stars 4 games to 2 for their first championship title in franchise history, with Lemieux winning playoff MVP honors after leading all postseason scorers with 44 points (16 goals & 28 assists). After that initial success, more championships followed as they went on an incredible run from the 1990s into the early 2000s capturing three consecutive titles between 1991–1992 and 1992–1993 seasons, then again between 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 seasons when Crosby was captain along with Evgeni Malkin who also shared Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP both times respectively following two separate runs at Lord Stanley's Cup victories over Detroit Red Wings each time outscoring them 16 games to 8 total across those four series combined!
The legacy left behind by these great players will live forever within Pittsburg hockey fans' hearts - a reminder that greatness can be achieved if you work hard enough towards it, no matter what obstacles come your way! From Lemieux’s legendary goal-scoring ability through Jagr’s dominance down low or Crosby's clutch performances and late-game heroics, this organization has always found ways not just to survive but thrive amidst adversity while continuing its pursuit of excellence year after year, which makes them one of the most beloved franchises amongst National Hockey League fanbases worldwide today!
Sports Fan Products
Exploring Sidney Crosby's Career: What Lies Ahead?
Explore the captivating journey of Sidney Crosby's illustrious career! From his humble beginnings to becoming one of hockey's most iconic figures, delve deep into the triumphs, challenges, and defining moments that have shaped his legacy. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind Crosby's unparalleled success on the ice, offering insights into the mindset and determination of a genuine sports legend. Whether you're a hockey enthusiast or inspired by tales of achievement, this analysis promises to enlighten and inspire. Don't miss out on uncovering the essence of Sidney Crosby's extraordinary career!
Mario Lemieux Player History: The Complete Story Revealed
Explore Mario Lemieux's extraordinary journey in this revealing exploration of his player history. Discover the untold stories, shocking revelations, and enduring legacy of one of hockey's greatest players. Don't miss out on unraveling the mysteries surrounding Mario Lemieux's remarkable career!
Retired Number
21 / Michel Briere
66 / Mario Lemieux
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history