I remember the incident like it was yesterday.
It was Tuesday, May 5, 1992. Game Two of the Patrick Division Finals. Fresh off a rousing come-from-behind conquest of Washington in the opening round of the playoffs, the Penguins had toppled the Rangers—Presidents’ Trophy winners—in Game One at Madison Square Garden.
They were up 1-0 in Game Two, courtesy of an early goal by Kevin Stevens. The Pens were threatening to score again when New York defenseman Joe Cirella was called for elbowing.
Ron Francis won the faceoff to begin the power play and drew the puck back to Mario Lemieux at the left point.