Today in Penguins History (10/11/67)

1988-89 Panini Sticker #322

On this day in Penguins history, the first ever game by the newly christened expansion Pittsburgh Penguins was played at the Civic Arena.  While not part of the Original 6 franchises, the Penguins were one of the Next 6 brought into the league to start the 1967-68 season.



What better way to say welcome to the league than to be pitted against the juggernaut Montreal Canadiens, who had numerous future HOFers on their roster.  With 9,307 fans in attendance at the now bulldozed Igloo, the upstart Pens skated to a 2-1 loss, which is really not bad considering the fire power on the Habs at the time.

Jean Beliveau and Gilles Tremblay tallied for Montreal.  Andy Bathgate finally scored the Penguins first franchise goal late in the third period (with Ab MacDonald and Noel Price assisting), and only goal of the memorable evening.