Oilers Dramatic Stand Recalls a Dark Turn in Penguins History

As Connor McDavid and the Oilers seek to close out a storybook comeback from a 3-0 series deficit and capture the Stanley Cup, I’m reminded of a similar scenario involving our Penguins back in the 1975 playoffs. One that halted a promising young team dead in its tracks and ushered in one of the bleakest eras in franchise history.

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Possessing a near perfect blend of youth, experience, toughness and skill, the 1974-75 Penguins were a team of immense promise.

Buoyed by a 20-game unbeaten streak at the Civic Arena, including an 8–2 thrashing of the defending Stanley Cup champion Flyers, the club caught fire in the second half to register the first winning season in franchise history.

Dashing and electric, the Pens boasted nine 20 goal-scorers. They racked up six goals or more 20 times, including an astounding 12-goal eruption against the expansion Washington Capitals on March 15.

Dubbed the Century Line for its near triple-digit goal production—the first line featured all-time Penguin greats Syl Apps, Lowell MacDonald and Jean Pronovost.

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