On this date in Penguins history: Stanley Cup Champions, 2009

Eleven years. That’s how long it’s been since the Penguins won their first Stanley Cup in the current era of Pittsburgh hockey with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the way.

It feels longer in some ways, but it also feels like it was recent.

A Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final. Doesn’t get much bigger than that.

The Penguins started the series out trailing 2-0 after losing both games at Joe Louis Arena.

They were going to need to win 4 out of 5 games against a behemoth of a team in the Red Wings.

Holding court at home and leveling the series at 2-2 sent things back to Detroit for a chance to take the lead. That didn’t happen. Not even close.

The Penguins were on the ropes and hung on to a Game 6 win to send things back to Detroit with everything on the table.

An early Sidney Crosby injury sent him to the locker room and it was gut check time. Who was gonna be the hero?

Early into the 2nd period, a forecheck from Evgeni Malkin sent the puck to Max Talbot. Big goal. Huge goal. I still feel like if the Penguins had fallen behind in the game, they don't come back and win.

Midway through the second, it’s a 2-on-1....and who is it with the puck? Max Talbot again.

Chris Osgood was off his angle a bit and Talbot picked the corner clean. 2-0 Pens. Whew.

The Red Wings would bring it with all they had. This wouldn't be easy for the Penguins.

Jonathan Ericsson would get the Red Wings on the board and Niklas Kronwall nearly tied the game.

Everyone remembers Marc-Andre Fleury’s diving save against Nicklas Lidstrom. What a moment.