But few people realize that blue's reappearance in Pittsburgh could've come much sooner — on two separate occasions!

Remember the '90s? I did that whole series of articles over the summer about NHL logos and uniforms that happened and almost happened in that most gaudy of decades.

Well, the Internet has unearthed another of the "almost happened" variety and you truly have to see it to believe it.

Jim Kubus operates a website called PittsburghHockey.net. Like Icethetics, it's a one-man labor of love. And he's amassed quite a riveting history of Steel City hockey.

One fascinating section of the site is the Penguins' jersey history. It features in-depth discussions not only on the many variations of sweaters the team has worn over the last five decades — but even those that were never worn.

Which brings us to this.