A Plan for the Pens To Win Without Sid

I apologize that this is going to be so short. I found this and, even though I don't have a lot of time today, I wanted to make sure you got to see it. Dave Molinari of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and SportingNews.com has devised a strategy for the Crosby-less Penguins to make it through their captain's absence:

The formula for remaining competitive with a watered-down lineup is pretty basic:

• Solid goaltending. Ty Conklin, who spent the first two months of the season in the American Hockey League, has become something of a folk hero for his work in place of Fleury. Good positioning, rebound control and strong puck-handling allowed him to win his first nine starts after being recalled. One hitch: Conklin is a less spectacular 3-3-2 since.

• Strong team defense. After allowing 30 or more shots in 10-of-11 games before the break, the Penguins have limited the number of quality scoring chances since -- no opponent has taken more than 28 shots. If they stray from sound play on their end, they could end up in shootouts they are ill-equipped to handle -- at least for now.

Sid is (presumably) making use of the only rehab facility in the country not currently housing any pop tarts, starlets, or celebutantes.

• Productive special teams. Good penalty-killing and power-play work become even more critical when a team has personnel problems. If the Penguins can't at least break even here, chances are they're going to lose.

• Keep games close. Malkin can be a difference maker in tight games. The Penguins were 12-7 in their first 19 one-goal games settled in regulation or overtime.

I still haven't found any updates on Sid's condition. I've been searching high and low but I've got nothing. If any of you find something before I do, be sure to send it my way and I'll make sure I get it posted ASAP. :)

Yorio is Yahoo! for Crosby

Karia Yorio of the Sporting News and Yahoo! Sports have come out with their season-end awards, and Crosby wins big.

Is this another meaningless award? Hardly! These awards were voted on by the NHL players.

Here's the scoop on Crosby.

Fans weren't the only ones impressed with Crosby's sophomore season. The Art Ross Trophy winner as the league's leading scorer received 110 of the 210 votes from his fellow players; Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier was a distant second with 24 votes.

Crosby led his team into the playoffs and finished the season with 120 points on 36 goals and 84 assists. His presence and play also helped the Penguins secure an arena deal to stay in Pittsburgh. Not bad for a kid who won't turn 20 until August.

Well, it sounds like Crosby has the Pearson wrapped up, wouldn't you say?

Linemate Evgeni Malkin also got the Rookie of the Year, to no surprise.

(thanks to Jodie for the tip)