Pittsburgh Penguins

The team started out as part of the NHL's six-team expansion in 1967. Originally named the Pittsburgh Hornets, they moved to the Steel City after their third season. The Penguins became known for their feisty team full of offensive talent, boasting stars like Michel Briere and Jean Potvin in the late '60s and early '70s. This period saw the Penguins reach the playoffs for the first time, losing to the St. Louis Blues in the 1971 quarter-finals.

As the '90s approached, the Penguins established themselves as a powerhouse. Led by Hall-of-Famers Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, the Penguins made a Stanley Cup appearance in 1991, eventually losing to the Minnesota North Stars. But their efforts soon bore fruit as the Penguins managed to win the Stanley Cup twice, in 1991 and 1992. This marked the first time a team had won back-to-back championships since the New York Islanders in 1982 and 1983.

The current Penguins roster is filled with recognizable NHL stars, most notably Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. In the past decade, the Penguins have made the playoffs eight times, including four straight trips to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008, 2009, 2016, and 2017. Crosby and Malkin guided the Penguins to three championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017.

The coaching staff for the Penguins have also been stellar. Since 2008, the team has been lucky to have three Hall-of-Famer coaches in Michel Therrien, Dan Bylsma, and currently, Mike Sullivan. These coaches have the distinction of leading the Penguins to all three championships between 2009 and 2017.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are more than just a hockey team—they are a powerhouse of talent, a team that knows how to win championships and entertain fans. They have been a mainstay in the NHL since they joined the league in 1967 and they continue to thrill fans with their exciting play and winning attitude. There is no doubt that the Penguins are one of the most respected and successful NHL franchises, and will remain so for many years to come.