Episode 12: Darius Kasparaitis by Penguins Podcasts: A Great Day for Hockey Talk

We figured Darius Kasparaitis would be an entertaining guest but little did we know! The funny and engaging former Penguins defenseman practically reached folk hero status during his six seasons in the black and gold uniform.

But before he was a hero, he was a villain, mostly because of the way he antagonized Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr when he was a member of the NY Islanders in the 1993 playoffs.

But he was welcomed with open arms by the two Penguins superstars upon his arrival to Pittsburgh in 1996. And it wasn’t long before he became the scourge of Flyers fans for his thundering hit on Eric Lindros, which he discusses in detail. Kasparaitis talks about his childhood in Lithuania and how he left home at the age of 14 to play and attend school in Moscow.

Other highlights include:
-His series-winning overtime goal that eliminated the Buffalo Sabres from playoff competition in 2001
-His passion for the game that he continues to play at age 46
-His family life in Florida
-His induction into the Russian and Soviet Hockey Hall of Fame.
-His relationships with the Pens players and staff.