The Pittsburgh Penguins, a team known for its rich history and success in the NHL, has seen its fair share of phenomenal American players don the black and gold jersey. From championship-caliber goaltending to dominant scoring, these American stars have left an indelible mark on the franchise’s storied history.
Let’s take a closer look at the Penguins’ all-time American starting lineup, a lineup filled with talent and accolades that have contributed to the team’s multiple Stanley Cup triumphs.
First up, we have Kevin Hatcher, the powerhouse right defenseman who made a name for himself with his offensive prowess from the blue line in the late 1990s. Hatcher’s booming shot and ability to contribute offensively set him apart during his time with the Penguins, where he tallied an impressive 140 points in 220 games.
Moving on to the left wing position, we have Kevin Stevens, a force to be reckoned with on the ice. Stevens’ combination of size, skill, and physicality made him one of the most dominant left wings in Penguins history. He played a pivotal role in the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992, earning him a spot as the highest-scoring American-born player in franchise history with 555 points in 522 games.
Now, let’s talk about Joe Mullen, a skilled winger who brought a scoring touch and veteran leadership to the Penguins during their glory days in the early 1990s. Mullen’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations and his knack for finding the back of the net made him a fan favorite and a crucial part of the team’s success. With 325 points in 379 regular-season games, Mullen solidified his place as the all-time best American right wing in Penguins history.
And who could forget Nick Bonino, the unsung hero of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup runs in 2016 and 2017? Bonino’s defensive reliability, clutch scoring, and smart two-way game were instrumental in the team’s back-to-back championships. His contributions on the infamous “HBK Line” with Carl Hagelin and Phil Kessel helped propel the Penguins to victory, making him the all-time best American center for the franchise.
In the net, we have Tom Barrasso, whose heroics between the pipes helped lead the Penguins to success in different eras. Barrasso’s stellar play and leadership in goal were crucial to the team’s triumphs, earning him a well-deserved spot in the lineup.
Overall, the contributions of these American-born players have been vital to the Penguins’ success over the years. From Barrasso’s goaltending prowess to Stevens’ physical dominance and Bonino’s clutch performances, each player has played a pivotal role in shaping the franchise’s history. This all-time American lineup is a testament to the wealth of talent that the Penguins have been fortunate to have throughout their illustrious history.
As we celebrate these American stars who have left an indelible mark on Pittsburgh Penguins history, let’s raise our sticks and salute their contributions to one of the most storied franchises in the NHL.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
