Larry Murphy

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Murphy's tenure with the Penguins began on December 11, 1990, when the team traded for him to bolster a blue line struggling without a healthy Mario Lemieux. He proved his value immediately, playing in nearly every game over four years. In the 1990–91 postseason, he led all players with a +17 rating and recorded 23 assists (including five goals) across the playoff run. His defining moment came in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final against Minnesota; he scored his lone goal of that series during an 8–0 rout to clinch the title. The following year, Murphy added 21 goals and 56 assists in the regular season before contributing 16 points in the playoffs. In Game 4 of the 1992 Final, he scored a third-period goal to give Pittsburgh a 5–4 lead in their eventual 6–4 victory. His peak Norris Trophy voting came in 1992–93 with a third-place finish after recording 22 goals and 63 assists.

In Their Own Story

The 1990–91 playoffs defined Murphy's legacy in Pittsburgh. With Mario Lemieux sidelined by injury, the team waded through the middle of the pack until acquiring Murphy. He helped guide them to the Finals, where he scored the lone goal of the series in Game 6 against Minnesota. The scoreline was an 8–0 rout, and Murphy's contribution was pivotal in securing the franchise's first Stanley Cup. Later that year, he returned for the Canada Cup, playing on a team that did not lose any of its eight games en route to another title. In 1992, he repeated as a champion, scoring the go-ahead goal in Game 4 of the Final against Chicago. His durability was unmatched; over four years, he missed only 11 combined regular-season games. Even during the strike-shortened 1994–95 season, he played all 48 games, recording 13 goals and 25 assists before being traded away.

Reader's Guide

Larry Murphy's time in Pittsburgh spanned from December 11, 1990, until his trade to Toronto on July 8, 1995. During this era, he established himself as a premier two-way defenseman. His regular-season production included a career-high 23 assists and five goals in the final 44 games of 1990–91, followed by a 77-point campaign (21 goals, 56 assists) in 1991–92. He was named an NHL second-team All-Star in 1995 before his departure. Murphy's playing style relied on anticipation rather than speed; he once noted, 'I'm not a fast skater, I don't have a fast shot... stay in the league and play the game that will keep you there.' He was also known for the 'Murphy Dump,' a technique of lifting the puck high over opponents to clear the zone without an icing call. His acquisition was later called the 'move of moves' by Red Wings executive Jimmy Devellano, though his most celebrated years were spent in black and gold.

Did You Know?

• Murphy set the NHL rookie record for most points by a defenceman with 76 in 1981-82.
• He scored his lone goal of the 1991 Stanley Cup Final during an 8–0 rout in Game 6.
• Murphy was known for the 'Murphy Dump,' lifting the puck high over opponents to clear the zone safely without icing.
• In the 1990-91 playoffs, he led all players with a plus-minus of +17.
• He played in 410 out of 421 combined games for the Penguins between 1990 and 1994.