Cup Review:

           For the first time in 57 years the Stanley Cup would be contested by two
     teams that had never won it. The Stars opened the series like they had done in
     their past three by winning Game One 5-4. The next game the Penguins got
     revenge and won 4-1. This game saw Mario Lemieux score a goal that will
     probably live on forever in highlight films. On a dazzling solo effort he danced
     around two North Star defensmen and then tucked it past Casey just before
     falling to the ice. 

     The North Stars were welcomed home by 15,378 cheering Minnesota fans for
     Game Three. Unfortunately for the Pens they would take the ice without
     Mario. He had strained his back tying his skates in the locker room just before
     the game. Dave Gagner and Bobby Smith scored 23 seconds apart in the
     second period. The Stars won 3-1 and took the lead in the series two games to
     one. Many fans begin to ask, could this be really be happening? Destiny did
     seem to control this Cinderella team. 

                                           
     Lemieux was back for Game Four. The Penguins started quickly by scoring
     three goals in the first three minutes of the game. Around the half way point of
     the game Trottier scored to give the Penguins a commanding 4-1 lead. But,
     the Stars battled back. Mike Modano scored on the powerplay just before the
     2nd period ended to make it 4-3. The Stars received numerous chances to tie
     the game including a missed doorstep put-away by Neal Broten late in the
     period. But, the Penguins somehow held on and escaped Minnesota with a 5-3
     victory. 

     Game Five was more of the same. The Pens started off quickly and the Stars
     were left playing catch up. Former North Star, Larry Murphy, finished with
     four assists and Mark Recchi got a pair as the Penguins skated to a 6-4
     victory. 

     Anybody who had witnessed Game Six would tell you it was hard to watch.
     The Penguin's found the back of the net early and often. The North Stars
     could not respond. They simply ran out of gas and were were coldly handed a
     8-0 defeat. Captain Mario Lemieux was on hand to receive the Stanley Cup
     trophy from NHL president John Zeigler while the fans of Minnesota
     respectfully applauded the new champions. 

     Although Mario had been their leader throughout the playoffs, the play of
     Recchi, Francis, Stevens, Coffey and Jagr were clear proof that this team was
     much more than a one man show. The beaten North Stars would win the
     respect of the league and the loyalty of their fans. "Remember Minnesota in
     1991," may be the phrase used to motivate underdog hockey teams for many
     years to come. 




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