Here, we take a look at five things we learned from the goalless 120 minutes and what did they mean for each finalist:
1. Looks can be deceptive
Bulky Conrad Logan had the air of a Sunday league goalkeeper as he made his way out for his Hibs debut in place of the suspended Mark Oxley. The 29-year-old had not played since turning out for Rochdale in December 2014, but he came out on top in two one-on-ones with Billy McKay and produced a brilliant one-handed stop from John Rankin. As the stalemate continued, it looked more and more likely he would end up the hero, and he spread himself to deny Henri Anier. There was no surprise when he saved United's first two penalties to send Hibs on their way to the cup final.
2. Even in-form strikers should think twice about Panenka penalties
Jason Cummings made sure a forgettable 120 minutes would be memorable for one incident alone when he chipped a first-half penalty over the bar. Czechoslovakia hero Antonin Panenka has had many imitators, but probably would not have if he had done what Cummings did.
3. Both teams will be in the Championship next season on this form
United slipped eight points adrift at the foot of the Premiership with consecutive defeats coming into Hampden, and their opponents' form was no better, taking five points from a possible 24 to leave them in danger of missing out on Championship runners-up spot and later entry into the play-offs. And there was little sign at Hampden that such form will get better. United were disorganised and vulnerable for the opening half hour, but Hibs could not capitalise on their dominance, rarely troubling the United goal. The Taysiders improved considerably, but the game looked destined for penalties.
4. Dundee United need to get substitutes prepared
A week after an injured Gavin Gunning picked up the ball and walked off the park to the bemusement of the United bench, Coll Donaldson limped off before Guy Demel was ready to come on. Manager Mixu Paatelainen shouted at the player and fourth official, seemingly unsure who to blame for the chaos. Demel eventually got ready, but United had to play with 10 men for a brief spell.
5. Hibs are growing to like Hampden
The penalty shoot-out win clinched Hibs' third Scottish Cup final in five years and it should have been four but for a series of missed chances in last season's semi-final against Falkirk. They were also unfortunate to lose this year's League Cup final to Ross County and the law of averages suggests they could finally end their 114-year wait for Scottish Cup glory.
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