THE PARROT - FINAL EPISODE

Not really hockey but this is a terrific spoof on the Soprano's final episode...

A Lot Has Been Happening...

...with the Penguins recently. Since I've been away on business for the past few weeks now is the time to get everything caught up:

Crosby wins the Hart Trophy - Sid was voted the NHL's MVP

Crosby wins the Pearson Trophy - Sid was voted best player by his peers...some would say this is more of an honor than the Hart Trophy (I've added a web poll for Sid below...please vote!)

Malkin wins Rookie of the Year - and deservedly so

Roberts and Recchi sign one year contracts with the Pens - ensuring the team their space on the Stanley Cup next season

At a very low #20 the Penguins select Angelo Esposito in the NHL Entry Draft - Esposito was projected as going in the top 3 or 4 in the very recent past. What a steal!

Sid The Kid Gets The "C" For The Upcoming Season

Sidney Crosby has become the youngest NHL player to be designated as his teams captain, the Pittsburgh Penguins announced on Thursday, May 31. Crosby was 19 years and 297 days old when the honor was bestowed upon him. The previous record was held by Vincent Lecavalier who was granted the C at the age of 19 years, 324 days.

See whole story here:

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-captaincrosby&prov=ap&type=lgns

This is a terrific move in my opinion. Sid has led the team on the ice for the past 2 seasons as is, and now formally having the title, will garner him additional respect from one of the sources that he has not had much respect from - the referees. By having the referees on his side some of the calls that were not made in the past season may now be called.

Sid has the maturity needed as well as the respect from his teammates to be a good leader. He always gives 100% to the team and is often the first on the ice for practices, and the last to leave it.

Congrats to Crosby!