In the spring of 1970, a strange malaise called Stanley Cup fever had, quite unexpectedly, taken Pittsburgh by storm. Following two dreary seasons the city’s new National Hockey League entry—the Penguins—had wrapped up second place in the West Division to earn a berth in the playoffs.
Led by their wily coach, Red Kelly, the “Pesky Pens” swept the Oakland Seals in four straight games to set up a Semifinals match-up against the West Division champion St. Louis Blues.
The Penguins and Blues were hardly kissin’ cousins. During a contest at the Civic Arena on January 31, a jousting match between Pens policeman Bryan Watson and St.