It was on this day in 1993 that the Pittsburgh Penguins won their 17th consecutive game. That would set a new NHL record, which still stands today.
The Penguins’ streak began on Match 9 when they beat the Boston Bruins by a score of 3-2. Prior to that game, their record was 39-21-6, but they would win the following 17 games, before watching their streak come to an end via a 6-6 tie against the New Jersey Devils during their final game of the season. They would finish the season with a 56-21-7 record, which was good enough for first place in the Patrick Division. The Penguins beat the Devils in the first round of the playoffs that season, but the momentum from their winning streak and a first round playoff win was not enough to get them by the New York Islanders, as they would lose to them in seven games.
Mario Lemieux was a key factor in the Penguins’ regular season success that season, as he played in only 60 games but was still able to record a league-leading 160 points. His return to the Pittsburgh line-up was perhaps the main reason for their run of 17 straight wins, and with so much parity in the league these day, that record will be a difficult one to surpass.
Here is a look at Lemieux’s ten greatest plays.
Notable Birthdays
Dion Phaneuf, NHL – Born on April 10, 1985 (age 27) in Edmonton, Alberta
Carlos Tevez, EPL – Born on April 10, 1985 (age 27) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Andre Ethier, MLB – Born on April 10, 1982 (age 30) in Phoenix, Arizona