April 20, 1991: If the NHL lockout has you a bit depressed and anxious, remember the attitude of the always-optimistic Bob Johnson. In this picture, Johnson “contemplates injuries and lineups as he views an off-day skate at the Civic Arena,” according to the published caption.
“Badger” Bob, as he was known, coached the Penguins for one season (1990-91) and led the team to its first Stanley Cup Championship. At times during the playoffs, things looked bleak for the Pens. They faced the seemingly impossible task of overcoming a three-games-to-two deficit against the New Jersey Devils in the first round playoff series that year. In an amazing comeback, the Mario Lemieux-led Penguins won the series, and eventually claimed the Stanley Cup by defeating the North Stars in Johnson’s hometown of Minneapolis.
Johson died of brain cancer on Nov. 26, 1991, about six months after hoisting the Stanley Cup. It was a sad day for Pittsburgh. Still, we smile when remembering Badger Bob’s slogan: “It’s a great day for hockey.”
(Photo by Vince Musi, Pittsburgh Press)
