The Confluence
Recent Penguins’ trips to California haven’t been too sunny
by Tony on 11/01/09 at 10:19 PM ET
Comments (0)
CORRECTION: The Pens beat the Kings in OT 4-3 on Nov. 1, 2006 on Evgeni Malkin’s game-winning goal. Thanks to “cs6687” and “cj” for reminding me.
The Penguins embark on a week long road trip with stops in Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose, then visiting Boston before returning home on Nov. 12th.
The California trip got me to thinking: You know, the Penguins haven’t exactly played very well on the Left Coast.
But I didn’t realize just how poor they’ve played.
Anyone care to hazard a guess when was the last time that the Penguins have won a game in the state of California ??
Answer after the jump.
Answer ?? Jan. 16, 1999. The Penguins defeated the Los Angeles Kings, 5-1 (stick-tap to Let’s Go Pens for their outstanding game database). Tony’s note: Once again, not correct.
The boxscore is a real trip down Penguins memory lane. The Pens’ first goal is a short-handed goal by Ian Moran, of all people. Jagr scored in the first as well. In the second period, Robert Lang and Jan Hrdina scored (by the way, I hear that Hrdina-for-Zubrus deal is still on). The Pens closed out their scoring in the third period on a powerplay goal by Kevin Hatcher. And the winning goalie, you ask ?? None other than Tommy Barrasso.
But that was the last time, folks. Almost eleven years. The Penguins have gone 2-11-4-1 during that time (includes a tie to San Jose in the ‘99-‘00 season).
In many ways, the Penguins California trips had mirrored their trips to Florida over the years. However, the Pens’ fortunes have changed in the Sunshine State in recent trips.
Who knows the reasons behind it. The long trip, the weather, the “scenery” (aka eye candy). Perhaps it’s psychological, I think teams get out there and sub-consciously relax.
So when the Penguins hit the ice Tuesday night in Anaheim, just remember that record. Hopefully, they’ll quickly squash any extension of it.
Filed in: | The Confluence | Permalink
Tags: NHL-Hockey, Pittsburgh+Penguins,
Comments
Be the first to comment.
Add a Comment
Please limit embedded image or media size to 575 pixels wide.
Add your own avatar by joining Kukla's Korner, or logging in and uploading one in your member control panel.
Captchas bug you? Join KK or log in and you won't have to bother.
Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.
Most Recent Blog Posts
Turn Out The Lights, The Party’s Over: I’m Stepping Down
Bill Cowher’s Daughter to Marry Kevin Westgarth
Penguins Sign Forward Steve MacIntyre
Penguins Re-Sign Forward Dustin Jeffrey to Two-Year Deal
Crosby Donation Leads To Renovation at Children’s Hospital
About Kukla’s Korner
Kukla’s Korner is updated around the clock with the work of our own talented bloggers, plus links to the best hockey writing around the internet. We strive to bring you all the breaking hockey news as it happens.
The home page allows you to see the latest postings from every blog on the site. Subscribe here. For general inquiries and more, please contact us anytime.
Get the top online sports betting bonuses available to sports betters!
Kukla’s Korner is always a free service for readers, but it costs some money to maintain. If you’re ever in a position to donate a few dollars to help out, we’d be very appreciative.