Don’t be surprised if the Penguins are awarded a penalty shot today against the Bruins. The Penguins have had three penalty shots on March 17  – the most penalty shots attempted on any one day.

No luck of the Irish for the Pens, though, as they didn’t score on any of them.

The streak of bad luck started in 1992 when Edmonton’s Bill Ranford stopped Mario Lemieux for the very first time in his career.  Lemieux had been automatic until that point, converting his first five attempts. Lemieux would finish his career six-of-eight on his tries.

The second player denied on this date was Evgeni Malkin, who was stopped by former Penguins goaltender Johan Hedberg in net for Atlanta. Malkin is scoreless in five in attempts.

The last player to be thwarted on a penalty shot, a year ago today, was Chris Kunitz when he failed on New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur. It was Kunitz’ only attempt with Pittsburgh.

Take heart, Penguins opponents haven’t scored on a penalty shot on March 17th either.  Denis Herron blanked Hartford’s Tony Currie in 1984.

 

Click here for the complete list of penalty shots for and against Pittsburgh.