The Pittsburgh Penguins have had many talented hockey players wearing their crest. This article analyzes the best Penguins by sweater numbers #11-20. Going through the decades, each number shares a story. This article is the third in a series highlighting the best Penguins player to wear each of the respective numbers from #1 to #100. As we wait for the Pittsburgh Penguins 2024-2025 season to start, we look back on the contributions of the various past players to lace up the skates for the black and yellow jersey.
#21 – Michel Brière (Centre)
Michel Brière is honoured as the best player to wear the #21 for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite his career being tragically cut short by a car accident after his rookie season, Brière’s potential was undeniable. In the 1969-1970 season, he recorded 44 points in 76 games, showcasing his talent and potential as a future star. The Penguins have respectfully retired his number in recognition of his impact and the promise he showed. Brière’s legacy remains a poignant reminder of what could have been, solidifying his place in Penguins’ history.
#22 – Rick Tocchet (Right Wing)
Rick Tocchet is the best player to wear the #22 for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tocchet joined the team in 1992 and was a key contributor to the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victory that year. He was known for his physical play, scoring ability, and leadership. Tocchet recorded 179 points in 150 games with the Penguins. His relentless playstyle and offensive prowess made him a valuable asset during his time with the Penguins. Tocchet’s accolades as a coach with the Penguins cement his place as the best #22 for the Penguins.
#23 – Randy Hillier (Defenceman)
Randy Hillier stands out as the best player to wear the sweater with #23 on it for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the team from 1982 to 1992, Hillier was a dependable defenceman known for his steady play and leadership. Over his 362 games with the Penguins, Hillier recorded 92 points. His physical style and two-way play on the ice made him a crucial part of the team’s defensive core during his tenure. Hillier’s contributions to the Penguins’ success and his significant presence on the blue line make him the top player to have worn the #23 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Rod Schutt (Centre) – 169 points in 284 games. Eddie Shack (Left Wing) – 59 points in 87 games.
#24 – Matt Cooke (Left Wing)
Matt Cooke’s play as a Pittsburgh Penguin helps recognize him as the best player to wear the #24. He played for the team from 2008 to 2013. Moreover, Cooke was a crucial part of the Penguins’ penalty kill and provided much-needed grit and tenacity on the ice. As a bottom six wrecking ball, Cooke played 350 games with the Penguins, recording 150 points, along with 416 penalty minutes. Known for his physical style of play and defensive ability, Cooke’s contributions were instrumental in the Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup victory as a part of the third line with Jordan Staal and Tyler Kennedy. His ability to agitate opponents and provide secondary scoring made him a valuable asset during his tenure, earning his place as the top player to have worn the #24 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Dave Burrows (Defenceman) – 132 points in 573 games. March Chorney (Defencemen) – 23 points in 137 games.
#25 – Kevin Stevens (Left Wing)
Amongst very tough competition, Kevin Stevens earns the honour as the best player to wear the #25 for the black and yellow. Known for his dominant power forward playstyle, Stevens was a key figure for the Penguins from 1987 to 1995 and again from 2000 to 2002. During his tenure wearing the #25 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Stevens recorded an impressive 260 goals and 295 assists, totaling 555 points in 522 games. His physical presence and scoring ability were crucial to the Penguins’ success, especially during their back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Stevens’ contributions on the ice and his role in the team’s championship successes make him the top player to have worn the #25 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Randy Carlyle (Defenceman) – 297 points in 347 games. Max Talbot (Right Wing) – 108 points in 388 games.
#26 – Syl Apps (Centre)
Syl Apps is the best player to wear the #26 for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the Penguins from 1970 to 1978, Apps was a skilled forward known for his playmaking and scoring abilities. In 495 games with the Penguins, Apps recorded an impressive 151 goals and 349 assists, totaling 500 points. His consistency and offensive prowess made him a cornerstone of the Penguins’ team during his time with the organization. Apps’ contributions and legacy as a top-tier forward solidifies his place as the best player to have worn the #26 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mention: Ruslan Fedotenko (Left Wing) – 69 points in 149 games. Darius Kasparaitis (Defence) – 83 points in 405 games.
#27 – Alexei Kovalev (Right Wing)
The skilled forward Alexei Kovalev is the best player to wear the #27 in the history of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the team in two stints, from 1998 to 2003 and again from 2010 to 2011, he was known for his dazzling skill and offensive prowess. In 365 games wearing the #27 jersey, Kovalev recorded 288 points. His ability to control the puck, make incredible plays, and score highlight-reel goals made him a fan favourite. Kovalev’s exceptional talent and impact on the ice solidify his place as the top player to have worn the #27 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
Honourable Mentions: Craig Adams (Right Wing) – 71 points in 444 games. Gilles Meloche (Goaltender) – 34 wins in 104 games.
#28 – Ian Cole (Defence)
A defensive rock, Ian Cole is the best player to wear the #28. Playing for the team from 2015 to 2018, Cole was a key defenceman known for his reliability and physical play. In 225 games with the Penguins, Cole recorded 51 points, while accumulating 190 penalty minutes. His defensive prowess and ability to contribute occasional offence were instrumental in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. Cole’s significant contributions to the team’s success and his steady presence on the blue line make him the best #28 in team history.
Honourable Mentions: Marcus Pettersson (Defence) – 104 points in 338 games. Gordie Roberts (Defence) – 39 points in 134 games.
#29 – Marc-André Fleury (Goaltender)
As a franchise legend, this should be no surprise. Marc-André Fleury is celebrated as the best player to wear the #29 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing for the team from 2003 to 2017, Fleury was a cornerstone of the Penguins’ success during his time with the Penguins organization. He was known for his athleticism, clutch performances, and charismatic personality. Fleury played a pivotal role in all three Stanley Cup victories in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Over his career with the Penguins, Fleury recorded 375 wins, 44 shutouts, a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.58, and a save percentage (SV%) of .912. Fleury made outstanding contributions in net, cementing his place as the top player to have worn the #29.
Honourable Mentions: Phil Bourque (Left Wing) – 122 points in 424 games. Markus Naslund (Left Wing) – 67 points in 151 games.
#30 – Matt Murray (Goaltender)
From one legendary goalie in franchise history to another, Matt Murray is the best Penguin to wear #30. Joining the team in 2015, Murray quickly established himself as a premier goaltender in the NHL. He played a crucial role in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017. In 199 games with the Penguins, Murray recorded 117 wins, a GAA of 2.67, and a SV% of .914. His calm demeanour and clutch performances in high-pressure situations provided the team with confidence and stability. His essential contributions to the Pittsburgh Penguins success during the cup runs solidify his place as the top player to have worn the #30 jersey.
Honourable Mentions: Les Binkley (Goaltender) – 66 wins in 196 games. – Jean-Sebastian Aubin (Goaltender) – 63 wins in 168 games.
Conclusion
These ten players represent the best to have worn jersey numbers #21 to #30 for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Their remarkable performances and dedication have carved out significant chapters in the team’s storied history. Each player’s unique contributions have not only led to success but have also shaped the identity and legacy of the franchise. As we wait for the Penguins’ 2024-2025 season, it’s important to look back on the Penguins of the past.
Main photo: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
