The Pittsburgh Penguins have been host to some of the most amazing talent in hockey history, this article examines their all-time lineup. Players will be chosen from different decades and generations, leading to some interesting thought experiments. All of the players chosen in this article have contributed significantly to the team and will be judged off of their contributions to the Penguins specifically.
Goaltending
Starter – Marc-Andre Fleury
Marc-Andre Fleury is arguably the most beloved goaltender in Penguins’ history. Drafted first overall in 2003, Fleury’s career with the Penguins was marked by incredible triumphs, including three Stanley Cup victories. “Flower” is known for his acrobatic saves and lightning-fast reflexes. Fleury was the backstop of the team for over a decade. His ability to steal games under pressure, especially in the 2009 and 2017 playoffs, cements his legacy as the starter for this Penguins all-time lineup.
Backup – Tom Barrasso
Barrasso was the goaltender who backstopped the Penguins to their first two Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. After being acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres, Barrasso brought a calm presence to the Penguins’ crease. His ability to handle the puck and make key saves under pressure made him a critical part of the team’s early 90s success. Barrasso’s 369 wins as a Penguin get him the spot as back-up on the all-time team.
Third-Stringer – Matt Murray
Matt Murray burst onto the scene in 2016, quickly helping the Penguins win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017. His poise under pressure and remarkable consistency during the playoffs won him the starting role over veteran Marc-Andre Fleury. Murray’s sudden rise to stardom was propelled by his ability to stay calm in high-pressure situations. This made him a critical part of the back-to-back championship runs.
Defensemen
Pairing One: Paul Coffey – Larry Murphy
The pairing of Paul Coffey and Larry Murphy may be the most dynamic defensive duo in Penguins history. Paul Coffey, recognized for his incredible skating and offensive prowess, was a key player during the Penguins’ 1991 Stanley Cup run. His ability to control the game from the blue line was unparalleled, making him one of the most dangerous offensive defensemen in NHL history. Larry Murphy, Coffey’s partner, was a perfect complement with his efficient play. Murphy was not only defensively sound, but was also a skilled playmaker. Together, they formed a pairing that could dominate at both ends of the ice, leading the Penguins to their first-ever Stanley Cup. This incredible pairing gets the honours as the top pairing for the Pittsburgh Penguins all-time team.
Pairing Two: Sergei Gonchar – Kris Letang
Sergei Gonchar and Kris Letang represent two generations of elite Penguins defensemen with a little bit of overlap. Gonchar, an elite offensive defenseman, was crucial during the Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup run. He provided leadership and power-play expertise. His vision, passing, and powerful shot from the point made him a constant threat on the ice. Kris Letang, Gonchar’s successor, took the reins as the Penguins’ top defenceman following Gonchar’s departure and hasn’t looked back. A three-time Stanley Cup champion, Letang’s combination of speed, skill, and offensive flair made him a cornerstone of the Penguins’ blue line for over a decade. Their ability to log significant minutes while generating offence makes them a formidable second pair.
Pairing Three: Brooks Orpik – Ron Stackhouse
The third pairing of this team will be sure to shut down any opposition they come across. Brooks Orpik and Ron Stackhouse were both known for their physicality and defensive reliability. Orpik was a bruising, stay-at-home defenseman who provided a physical presence on the ice. His leadership was vital during the Penguins’ 2009 Stanley Cup run. Ron Stackhouse, on the other hand, was a top defenceman for the Penguins during the 1970s. He was recognized for strong defensive play and occasional offensive contributions. Together, they will bring an element of grit and physicality to the blueline of this team.
Forwards
Line 1: Ron Francis – Mario Lemieux – Jean Pronovost
The combination of Ron Francis, Mario Lemieux, and Jean Pronovost would be nothing short of explosive. Mario Lemieux is one of the greatest players in NHL history. His combination of size, skill, and hockey IQ made him unstoppable during his career. Ron Francis meanwhile, is one of the smartest and most unselfish players to ever play the game. He was the perfect complement to Lemieux’s offensive genius. Additionally, sniper Jean Pronovost brings a deadly shot and exceptional offensive skills. This line would be an offensive juggernaut capable of taking over games at will.
Line 2: Kevin Stevens – Sidney Crosby – Rick Kehoe
Whereas the top line would focus more on skill and size, line two would focus more on grit. Sidney Crosby, one of the greatest players of all-time, would centre this line. Crosby has led the Penguins to three Stanley Cups and has countless other achievements. He excels as a playmaker willing to go to the dirty areas to retrieve the puck. This would make him a perfect fit with Kevin Stevens. Stevens was a power forward with a penchant for scoring. His physical presence alongside Crosby’s would allow the pair to bully opponents. Rick Kehoe, one of the most consistent goal scorers in Penguins history, would round out this dynamic trio, adding a lethal shot. This trio’s strategy is a stark contrast to the top line. Their ability to excel in the dirty areas will ensure Kehoe is being fed the puck often enough to terrorize opposing defences.
Line 3: Joe Mullen – Evgeni Malkin – Jaromir Jagr
The all-time Penguins third line features a blend of finesse, power, and creativity. Evgeni Malkin has been one of the most dominant players of his generation. He is capable of taking over games and even playoff series with his physicality and scoring ability. Joe Mullen, a lethal goal scorer, would exploit opposing goaltenders with Malkin’s playmaking. Finally, Jaromir Jagr, one of the most iconic players in Penguins history, would bring an unstoppable offensive element to this line. His ability to control the puck, his incredible hockey IQ, and his powerful shot would make this line nearly unstoppable. ATogether, Malkin, Mullen, and Jagr would form a third line for the Penguins that any other all-time team would struggle with matching.
Line 4: Carl Hagelin – Jordan Staal – Patric Hornqvist
This fourth line would be the epitome of a shutdown, energy line. Jordan Staal, one of the best defensive forwards in team history, would anchor this line with his size, strength, and defensive acumen. Carl Hagelin would bring speed and relentless forechecking that would complement Staal’s defensive work. Finally, Patric Hornqvist’s net-front presence and ability to score gritty goals would provide an offensive punch. This line can be trusted in all situations, and would excel in protecting leads and shutting down the opposition’s top players.
The Pittsburgh Penguins All-Time Lineup
Across decades and multiple championship winning talent, The Pittsburgh Penguins’ all-time lineup showcases a rich history of skill. From dominant goaltenders to legendary defensemen and game-breaking forwards, this lineup celebrates individual greatness as well as the chemistry and synergy that could come from a blending of playstyles. The players in this line-up ultimately embody the best of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and each player here deserves a spot.
Main photo by: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
