Here we analyze the best Pittsburgh Penguins by the numbers on their sweaters from number 31 to 40. The Penguins have had many talented hockey players wearing their logo. Every player and the jersey number they wore tell a story of their time with the team. This article is fourth in a series looking at the best player to wear every jersey number from #1-100 in Pittsburgh. With the offseason still in its earlier stages, it is a great time to look back on the past of the Penguins while waiting for the future.
Picking the Best Pittsburgh Penguins by Number on Their Sweaters From 31 to 40
#31 – Ken Wregget
Ken Wregget takes top honours among all the players to wear #31 on their sweaters for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Wregget served as a reliable goaltender from 1992 to 1998 for the Penguins. Over his 212 games with the team, Wregget recorded 104 wins and six shutouts. Known for his steady presence in net, Wregget was a key figure in the Penguins’ goaltending rotation. His contributions to the team’s success in the 90s and his consistent performances solidify Ken Wregget’s place as the top player to have worn the #31 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Michel Plasse (Goaltender) 33 wins in 75 games. Sebastien Caron (Goaltender) 24 wins in 90 games.
#32 – Dick Tarnstrom
Dick Tarnstrom‘s contributions during a dark time in Penguin history make him the best player to wear the #32 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Serving as an assistant captain during his tenure, Tarnstrom was a reliable and productive defenceman for the team from 2002 to 2006. In 174 games with the Penguins, Tarnstrom recorded 28 goals and 75 assists, totaling 103 points. Known for his offensive capabilities from the blueline and leadership on the ice, Tarnstrom was a key contributor during a challenging period for the team. His ability to generate offence and steady presence on the back end earn him his place as the top player to have worn the #32 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Dave Hannan (Centre) 148 points in 355 games. Peter Taglianetti (Defenceman) 35 points in 167 games.
#33 – Zarley Zalapski
Zarley Zalapski‘s excellence as a two-way defenceman for the Pittsburgh Penguins ensures he stands out among all the #33 sweaters to be worn for the organization. As a defenceman, Zalapski was known for his offensive prowess and strong presence on the blueline. Playing for the Penguins from 1987 to 1990, he recorded 33 goals and 102 assists, totaling 135 points in 190 games. Zalapski’s ability to contribute offensively and dynamic playing style made him a key player during his time with the Penguins. His significant contributions and impressive performances make him the best player to wear #33 for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Zigmund Palffy (Right Wing) 42 points in 42 games. Alex Hicks (Left Wing) 40 points in 113 games.
#34 – Tom Kuhnhackl
Tom Kuhnhackl‘s performance as an elite depth player gets him the spot as the best to wear the #34 jersey for the Penguins. A versatile winger, Kuhnhackl played for the Penguins from 2015 to 2018. During his tenure, he recorded 11 goals and 28 assists, totaling 39 points in 168 games. Despite his limited offence, Kuhnhackl was known for his hardworking style of play and contributions to the Penguins’ penalty kill. His relentless effort on the ice and key depth role in the team’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2016 and 2017 solidify his place as the top player to have worn the #34 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Garth Snow (Goaltender) 14 wins in 35 games. Peter Popovic (Defenceman) six points in 54 games.
#35 – Tom Barrasso
One of the best goaltenders in franchise history, Tom Barrasso stands out as the best player of all those to wear the #35 on their sweaters for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Joining the team in 1988, Barrasso quickly became a cornerstone of the Penguins team. As a goaltender, he played a pivotal role in the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 1991 and 1992. Barrasso also had 221 wins in his 416 games with the Penguins. His impact was felt through his leadership and exceptional goaltending skills. Known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations, Barrasso’s contributions helped shape the Penguins’ success during his tenure. His remarkable achievements and significant role in the team’s history cement him as the top player to have worn the #35 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Warren Young (Centre) 101 points in 152 games. Tristan Jarry (Goaltender) 136 wins in 257 games.
#36 – Jussi Jokinen
Jussi Jokinen‘s flashy playstyle earns him the spot as best to wear the #36 jersey for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Known for his versatile play and shootout prowess, Jokinen played for the Penguins from 2013 to 2015. During his tenure, he recorded 28 goals and 40 assists, totaling 68 points in 91 games. Jokinen’s chemistry with linemates James Neal and Evgeni Malkin was particularly noteworthy. The trio formed a highly effective and dynamic scoring line during their time together. Jokinen’s ability to contribute in crucial shootout moments and his seamless fit with Neal and Malkin give Jussi Jokinen the place as the top player to have worn the #36 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Matthew Barnaby (Right Wing) 33 points in 129 games. Brad Lauer (Left Wing) five points in 21 games.
#37 – Jeff Zatkoff
“Mr Game 1” Jeff Zatkoff stands out as the best player to wear one of the sweaters with #37 on it for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Playing as a third-stringer for the Penguins, Zatkoff was known for his reliability. He played a crucial role during his tenure with the Penguins. Zatkoff’s most memorable moment came during the 2016 playoffs when he was thrust into the starting role due to injuries to both Marc-André Fleury and Matt Murray. Dubbed “Mr. Game 1,” Zatkoff delivered a stellar performance, making 35 saves to secure a 5-2 victory in the first game of the series against the New York Rangers. This unexpected win set the tone for the Penguins playoff run that year which would end in a championship. Zatkoff’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure when needed most makes him the top player to have worn the #37 jersey for the Penguins.
Honourable Mentions: Jarrko Ruutu (Right Wing) 32 points in 152 games. Kip Miller (Centre) 30 points in 77 games.
