So this moment wasn’t within the last 15 years.  But you know what, this is a blog about the Penguins and we’d be remiss if we didn’t include it.  It’s close enough!!!

The Cup wins officially made this town a hockey town.  Since the 1970s, Pittsburghers have expected greatness from the Steelers and Pirates.  Countless championships led to this city being named the ‘City of Champions.’

Hockey was always on the back burner.  The Penguins, at times, fielded a competitive team and gained interest in the 1970s.  They reached the playoffs in 1970, 1972 and 1975 — where they became one of the only clubs in any sport to ever build a 3-0 series lead and lose, 4-3 (sigh).  The beginning of the 1980s was rather successful as well, but from 1983-1989 the franchise missed the playoffs every year.

That drought diverted fans to the Steelers and Pirates, which were all enjoying success.  In 1984 Mario Lemieux was drafted and things started to change.  Just his name brought people to the arena to watch the team.

Still, wins were hard to come by.  The aura of a superstar player only lasts for so long.  But eventually the team improved, and after four years Pittsburgh was in the playoffs in the 1988-89 season.

Two years later, the Stanley Cup made it’s first appearance in the Steel City.

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