The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly:

Coach Dan looks to the heavens and asks, "Why me?"

The Good: Coach Dan's wife can finally pick out those Steeler's towels she's been eyeing, because 'da Coach is going to be here for a while. (at least that's the plan right now) They've finally let out the length of Bylsma's contract (what was the big deal about that?) and the agreement is for 3, count 'em, 3 years. (I know that's what they said to HCMT, but have a little faith) I know I'm not the only one to say that the Pens would offer Dan an invitation if he steered 'em to at least a 2nd round. But I said it, and now I get to say, "I told you so!" (and now I've said it, let's move on)

The Also Good: Marc Andre Fleury knows first hand one of the hazards of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And that is 17,000 reporters who only show up at whatever play-offs happen to be going on (regardless of the sport) and ask ill-considered, off the wall, or just plain repetitive questions. I mean, how many times can a guy answer the question 'What does (insert team here) have to do to win against (insert other team here)?'. I'm sure he's heard it all before, and he just smiles and chuckles, as if to say 'You guys just don't get how funny this is.'. And after answering he looks for the next amusing question and it goes on from there. Personally I think Hall Gill said it best (and with a completely straight face) 'I think if we score more goals than the other team we've got a good chance of winning the game.' Harold Priestly Gill III knows hockey.

Someone who looks less comfortable with the media is Evgeni Malkin. Frankly, the guy is looking like he's regretting learning English. He's trying really hard, but if you pay attention he's not actually answering the whole question. And if he gets any more nervous about being in a 'scrum' interview he's going to start knocking people down pacing back and forth. It's ok Geno, I've lived here all my life and sometimes I can't even tell what those guys are talking about.



The Bad: Due to the NHL's deep seated desire to obsequiously (is that really a word?) suck at the Network tit, the Pens won't play until Saturday when NBC can afford to carry the game. Check this: The Capitals finished their first round on Tuesday, any other team/year they'd have two days to face their next opponent and it would be just too bad if that team were good enough to finish their series 4 days earlier. But since the League and the Networks can make some major dollars off of a 'Big Star Rivalry Matchup' game, and everyone knows that the numbers (ie: money) is better on the weekend, the Pens will end up with a week off while the Caps get an undeserved 4 day rest. The 'Hawks and Vancouver play Thurs. and the 'Canes play Friday after a 7 game series. I'm not sure what, if any, effect this will have on the series, but one whole week cooling off can't be all good. Bending the rules to cash in on the hype is pretty crass from a League who's corporate front is 'It's all about the game' and 'It's all about the Fans'. C'mon guys, it's all about the Benjamins! Yours, that is. Revenue sharing? Riiiiiiight.



The Ugly: Alex O'retch-kin, because... well........ Look at him!