The Pittsburgh Penguins just wrapped up their 57th season, missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third consecutive season. Despite their recent lack of success, the franchise has appeared in the playoffs 37 times and won five championships.

Our newest series will reflect on how the Penguins performed on specific days leading up to the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

Today, May 9, Pittsburgh has compiled a 7-3 record in ten games on this date.

• 1991 - Game 5 Win vs. Boston Bruins (7-2)
• 1992 - Game 4 Win vs. New York Rangers (5-4 OT)
• 1996 - Game 4 Win vs. New York Rangers (4-1)
• 1999 - Game 2 Loss vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (4-2)
• 2000 - Game 6 Loss vs. Philadelphia Flyers (2-1)
• 2008 - Game 1 Win vs. Philadelphia Flyers (4-2)
• 2009 - Game 5 Win vs. Washington Capitals (4-3 OT)
• 2013 - Game 5 Win vs. New York Islanders (4-0)
• 2014 - Game 5 Loss vs. New York Rangers (5-1)
• 2022 - Game 4 Win vs. New York Rangers (7-2)

Notable Penguins Performances On This Day

May 9, 1991 - Kevin Stevens has two goals and three helpers for five points, a personal best for a playoff game in his career. Additionally, Mario Lemieux tallies a goal and three assists for his second-ever four-point playoff game. The Penguins defeat the Bruins 7-2 with multi-point efforts from Ulf Samuelsson, Bryan Trottier, Larry Murphy, and Scott Young.

May 9, 1992 - Ron Francis completes his only career playoff hat trick with his first-ever postseason overtime goal in a 5-4 win over the Rangers. Meanwhile, Steven records three assists, with Troy Loney and Murphy having two points. 

May 9, 2008 - Evgeni Malkin scores two goals and adds an assist for three points in a Penguins 4-2 win over the Flyers. It is his second-ever two-goal playoff game. 

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May 9, 2009 - Malkin scores his second career overtime winner just 3:28 into the first overtime to give Pittsburgh a 4-3 win in Game 5. As of 2025, this was the last time Malkin scored a playoff overtime goal.

May 9, 2013 - Tomas Vokoun stops 31 shots for his second career playoff shutout as the Penguins defeat the Islanders 4-0 in Game 5. Interestingly, it was Vokoun's first postseason shutout since 2004, when he was a member of the Nashville Predators.

May 9, 2022 - Backed by three points from Sidney Crosby (goal, two assists) and multi-point efforts from Jake Guentzel (goal, assist) and Kris Letang (two assists), the Penguins defeated the Rangers 7-2 in Game 4, giving them a 3-1 series lead. As of 2025, it is the franchise's last playoff win.