Stanley Cup Finals - Pittsburgh Penguins v Detroit Red Wings - Game Seven - Source: Getty
A pivotal moment in the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals came when Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux sent a motivational text to his team the night before Game 7. The message helped propel the Sidney Crosby-led Penguins to a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. The Penguins' victory marked a historic milestone, as they became the first team since 1971 to capture the Stanley Cup on the road in a decisive Game 7.
The Detroit Red Wings, led by legendary Swedish defenseman Nicklas Lidström, had dominated the Penguins 5-0 in a previous game, and many thought they would emerge victorious again. However, Lemieux, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with 17 seasons of experience, knew that one game didn't define the series. He decided to address the team, sharing his wisdom and calming their nerves.
Lemieux's presence had a profound impact, as the Penguins won Game 6 2-1, forcing a decisive Game 7. The night before the final game, Lemieux crafted an inspirational message, which he cleared with the team's VP of communications, Tom McMillan. At 7:00 AM on game day, the message was shared with every player on the roster, providing a much-needed boost of motivation.
