NHL Classic Series 1991 Stanley Cup Final Penguins vs North Stars

[@Mark-xl1ze]

The first Stanley Cup Final since 1964 to not feature either the Canadiens, Islanders, Flames, Oilers, Flyers or Bruins. Also, the last Cup Final to end before the month of June, first all-American Cup Final since 1981 (the last time the North Stars were in the Final), first Cup Final since 1982 not to feature either Alberta teams (Oilers and Flames) and first American team to win the Cup since 1983.

[@triadmad]

I'm glad I found this. Great memories for someone who's been a Pen's fan since the teams inception in 1967.

[@apointtomake1517]

"Francis on a break-away, and it's a run-away" - never get tired of hearing that.

[@steveharvey2102]

Still the biggest blowout in a cup winning game. Minnesota just ran out of pixie dust and energy, as they beat the 2 best teams in the league and last years champs! Gotta give it up for Minnie, a solid effort, just a day late and a buck short ;)

[@claytonbishop4021]

This Pittsburgh team became the first American team to win the Cup since the Islanders did it in 1983. Didn't realized the Canadian teams won the Stanley Cup between 1984 to 1990. This happens to be Mario Lemieux first Stanley Cup win. Love Bob Cole's commentary.

[@timburr4453]

Don't know why but I've always remembered that little "woo hoo" at 4:31. Watching it live...interesting the little things that stick in your head

[@michaelleroy9281]

Mario Lemieux... OH BABY!

[@steveharvey2102]

As a Montreal fan. I was cheering for Minnesota. Bob Gainey had put together a team with a few ex Montreal players and 1 future one, who would be a good part of the 93 Montreal win, (Bellows). I always felt bad for Minnesota. They had a few good shots at the cup, drafted some great players and then got to watch their former team, win the Cup in Dallas. That just sucks! I'm glad they got a team back because they are an amazing hockey state, with so many great players coming out of their minor league system. It's unfortunate that the "Wild" have done worse than the North Stars and I do hope I'm around to see Minnesota win the Cup. Cheers from Montreal P.S. I just realized that both times the Stars lost in the finals, although 9 years apart. Both times Bryan Trottier was on the winning side. Just a coincidence, unless Trotts had a bad vaction in Minnesota, as a kid. Who knows.

[@CCT1]

"what a set up by mumber sixty-*sticks* mario lemieux"

[@jaycob1830]

20:49 the arena was so loud it put pressure on the defense and goaltender and led to quick succession goals

[@jaycob1830]

Not surprised Modano scored on the slap shot, he had the hardest shot in the league so....well maybe Ifarate did im not sure but Modano was for sure top 2-3 considering he was the first player to break 100mph on the hardest shot competition

[@TheSilentbanker6]

Great highlights

[@trevorgreer6098]

31:36

[@mattjaps995]

The Northstars have a soul that Dallas or not even time can steal. Go anywhere in Mn today (thirty years after they were stolen from us) and you will likely see a Northstars hat, jersey etc. They were my favorite team in any sport and always will be.

[@untexan]

This is a myth. The North Stars ranked dead last in attendance in 1990-91 and it wasn’t even close. (Can’t even blame Norm Green because he didn’t own the team yet.) Even after this run, they still had a few thousand empty seats per game. The team wasn’t stolen from Minnesota, but at least the wake-up call was received.

[@isaus6597]

Love this, but they failed to bring up the turning point of the finals. Pens up 1 in game 4 with 7 minutes to go and Troy Loney takes a major high sticking penalty. The power play was the North Stars bread and butter all playoffs. The Penguins not only killed off the 5 minute major, but they didn’t allow Minnesota to even get a shot on goal. Penguins never looked back after that.

[@Realistic316]

Recchi owned game 5

[@PatrickJ12334]

I love this footage, but I'd rather listen to Mike Lange.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Nobody knew at the time the North Stars would play only 2 more seasons in Minnesota

[@steveharvey2102]

That just sucks!! I'm trying to remember, was it a crooked owner? Why the quick exit?

[@danbratten3103]

​@steveharvey2102 most in the Twin Cities blame Norm Green. Of course, they never look in the mirror and look at the horrible attendance by the fans. When Norm Green got there for the 90-91 season, opening night attendance was around 4,000 and didn't improve much until late in the season. And their final season, attendance was dropping again. Before Norm Green bought the team, there were rumors that the Gund Bros. were gonna move the team to San Jose after the 89-90 season. A poll was taken that offseason by the Star Tribune & Channel 5 news. 60% said they wouldn't care if the North Stars left. In the late 70's the original owners were thinking about folding the team because attendance had gotten so bad.

[@ckendall67]

@@danbratten3103 That '91 playoff run by the North Stars was pretty much their last run at glory before the team eventually left just two years later.

[@timburr4453]

20:15...is that dude holding a prosthetic arm?

[@milnerwords]

hahah a I think so

[@jab1289]

Stars should thank Blues GM Ron Caron for this trip to the Finals. If Caron didn't make one of the dumbest trades ever (trading Momesso, Ronning, Dirk, and Courtnall to the Couv for Dan Quinn and washed-up D Garth Butcher), St. Louis would have been in this series instead.

[@kidmack3556]

The Stars were such a hack team during that '91 run. Basil McRae + Shane Churla = Goon bros. Inc. I was glad class and sportsmanship won out.

[@jaycob1830]

The North Stars were very very disciplined these playoffs, that’s why they set a record for most power play goals. Yes they had goons on the team but they *needed* them, if they didn’t then they wouldn’t survive their division during the regular season. Norris was different dude. Plus the Penguin players only had praise for the Stars because of their hard work, the Stars deserved to be there unlike a nasty team like Chicago

[@kidmack3556]

@@jaycob1830 What you say makes sense; "Everybody else in our division has a nuclear warhead, so..." But I remember the Stars as the offenders in many instances in this series and the previous one with Edmonton. I remember them roughing up Barrasso and Coffey and Lemieux and Recchi and Mullen and Anderson etc. etc. etc. Like I said I was glad it didn't work for them in this series too. And the praise probably had more to do with the Pens being thankful that the Stars had eliminated the Oilers, who still probably could've matched speed for speed with the Pens or anyone else.

[@jaycob1830]

@@kidmack3556 The Stars had a great powerplay and excellent penalty killing, so they didnt really care about taking penalties. Thats one of the reasons they were so aggressive with opponents. The Penguins werent all angels either, Taglianetti would do whatever he could to get his hands on someone if they were in 40 feet of the goal. Also the series was alot closer than most people think. In game 4 the Stars came within centimeters of tying the game and probably scoring on the PP later.

[@kidmack3556]

@@jaycob1830 Jim Johnson and Tinordi were Taglianetti on roids. I hear ya, but I strongly believe that most supporters of the game, even back then will choose a fluid skill team over a grinding plodding one with a fortuitous special team. At least I would. Yes, I don't remember Pittsburgh running away with this series, I remember the series being competitive up until a certain point in game 5 (?)

[@jaycob1830]

@@kidmack3556 It was competitive til the puck drop of game 6, the Stars scored like 4 unanswered goals in game 5