RON COOK


Ron Cook: Things quickly turn out all right for Penguins

Ron Cook: Things quickly turn out all right for Penguins

2013-05-23 00:10:05

The Penguins are too strong and too loaded for the Ottawa Senators, and proved it with a 7-3 victory in Game 4, Cook writes.


Ron Cook: Martin continues to block Senators' path

Ron Cook: Martin continues to block Senators' path

2013-05-22 00:13:05

The Penguins' Paul Martin overcomes horrible 2011-12 season to return to his role as a versatile and stellar defenseman.


Cook: It's still Tomas Vokoun's time in goal for Penguins

Cook: It's still Tomas Vokoun's time in goal for Penguins

2013-05-21 00:11:40

Ron Cook writes that Vokoun's performance in Game 3, and his composure after a tough loss show he's still the man for the net-minder job.


Cook: Penguins/Senators a series again after missed chances

Cook: Penguins/Senators a series again after missed chances

2013-05-20 00:55:16

The Penguins' tactics, and the team's lineup in the closing minute of regulation were strange and costly, Ron Cook writes.


Cook: Malkin lives up to lofty standards

Cook: Malkin lives up to lofty standards

2013-05-15 00:30:04

Ron Cook writes that Malkin wasn't kidding when he said he would play better against the Ottawa Senators in Round 2.


Cook: Cooke won't let Ottawa influence his focus

2013-05-14 00:10:41

Winger Matt Cooke says incident in Feb. 13 game that resulted in an injury to Ottawa's Erik Karlsson won't be a factor for him in Round 2.


Tomas Vokoun was 'outstanding,' but Marc-Andre Fleury is a must for Cup run

Tomas Vokoun was 'outstanding,' but Marc-Andre Fleury is a must for Cup run

2013-05-13 00:09:58

Fleury will get another chance. He must get another chance if the Penguins are going to win the Stanley Cup.


Ron Cook: Crosby, Letang merit rewards

Ron Cook: Crosby, Letang merit rewards

2013-05-11 00:02:43

Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang are easy choices for individual awards despite missing considerable playing time in the regular season.


Ron Cook: Vokoun excels despite nerves

Ron Cook: Vokoun excels despite nerves

2013-05-10 00:07:47

Columnist Ron Cook says an admittedly nervous Tomas Vokoun stepped up for the Penguins in a big way Thursday night.


Cook: Penguins' change in goal not the only one needed

Cook: Penguins' change in goal not the only one needed

2013-05-09 00:41:46

Ron Cook says replacing Fleury in net is likely a good move, but Coach Dan Bylsma may need to mix up lines and start benched players.


Management of Melancon, Grilli is just fine for Pirates

Management of Melancon, Grilli is just fine for Pirates

2013-05-06 00:13:31

Columnist Ron Cook says manager Clint Hurdle isn't making a mistake by saving relievers Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli for late-game leads.


Ron Cook: Strasburg impresses vs. Pirates even when he's off

Ron Cook: Strasburg impresses vs. Pirates even when he's off

2013-05-05 00:23:45

Washington's young ace did just enough to give his team a chance to beat the Pirates, giving up four runs and striking out eight.


Ron Cook: Mistakes bring back ugly playoff memories for Penguins

Ron Cook: Mistakes bring back ugly playoff memories for Penguins

2013-05-04 00:08:20

The Penguins' 4-3 to the Islanders in Game 2 Friday night was a worrisome, inexcusable effort that could have been even worse.


Cook: No one can bump Adams from lineup

2013-05-03 00:21:25

When listing Penguins GM Ray Shero's best trade deadline acquisitions, don't overlook Craig Adams.


Ron Cook: Playoffs could soothe Sidney Crosby's pain

Ron Cook: Playoffs could soothe Sidney Crosby's pain

2013-04-30 00:02:55

The PG columnist asks: Would it really surprise you if Crosby led the Penguins to the Cup and was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner?


Cook: A Batch full of success

Cook: A Batch full of success

2013-04-29 00:03:12

Ron Cook writes that Charlie Batch's role with the Steelers was so much more than just as a backup quarterback.


James Harrison's loss shaped draft

2013-04-27 00:30:11

Ron Cook: Not signing James Harrison helped to put Steelers in big hole before the draft; now they are digging out.


High-pressure system in forecast for Bylsma, Penguins when playoffs begin

High-pressure system in forecast for Bylsma, Penguins when playoffs begin

2013-04-25 14:00:39

Penguins coach Dan Bylsma understands the pressure he and his Penguins team will face next week when the Stanley Cup playoffs start.


Loss of Casey Hampton big ... in 2 ways

Loss of Casey Hampton big ... in 2 ways

2013-04-23 00:04:49

Ron Cook writes that the nose tackle will be a big-time loss for Steelers -- literally and figuratively.


Ron Cook: In Pirates series full of surprises, Barmes finishes strong

Ron Cook: In Pirates series full of surprises, Barmes finishes strong

2013-04-22 00:02:59

Slumping shortstop Clint Barmes played well Sunday, one of many stunning performances from Pirates in an impressive series.


Ron Cook: Peculiar Pirates lineup comes to the rescue

2013-04-21 00:10:19

Despite some questionable choices by Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, the odd lineup Saturday night made his decisions look smart.


Ron Cook: Big Ben set to atone for 2012

2013-04-19 00:10:44

As long as they have Ben Roethlisberger under the center, the Steelers have a chance of bouncing back and making the playoffs.


Cook: Starting pitching is dragging down Pirates

2013-04-16 00:10:45

That fabulous comeback Sunday by the Pirates against the Cincinnati Reds? It seems like a long time ago, doesn't it?


Ron Cook: McKenry has a blast for Pirates, actually two

Ron Cook: McKenry has a blast for Pirates, actually two

2013-04-15 00:02:33

The comeback Sunday led by unsung backup catcher Michael McKenry was one of the best the Pirates have put together at PNC Park.


Ron Cook: Steelers' offseason anything but typical

Ron Cook: Steelers' offseason anything but typical

2013-04-14 00:13:09

Art Rooney II says it is business as usual this offseason for the Steelers after a disappointing 8-8 year, but that's not really the case.


Cook: Mt. Lebanon's Root could have 'Jerome Bettis' moment

Cook: Mt. Lebanon's Root could have 'Jerome Bettis' moment

2013-04-12 00:24:47

Jesse Root has a chance to win a championship in his hometown, playing for Yale in the NCAA hockey finals tomorrow night, Ron Cook writes.


Ron Cook: Malkin's play for Penguins has to improve

Ron Cook: Malkin's play for Penguins has to improve

2013-04-08 00:03:57

Cook writes that plenty of players have stepped up for the Penguins this season, but Evgeni Malkin still hasn't reached his full potential.


Cook: McDonald's success key to Pirates' season

2013-04-05 00:05:20

James McDonald's strong pitching performance gives the Pirates hope.


Ron Cook: Worst of days for Pitt sports

Ron Cook: Worst of days for Pitt sports

2013-04-03 00:05:03

In an awful 24 hours for Pitt athletics, the departure of running back Rushel Shell trumps all else -- even Steven Adams going pro.


Pirates offense will get better, thanks to Pedro Alvarez

2013-04-02 00:02:31

Ron Cook: It was the lone run in a 3-1 loss, but the fact that it was Pedro Alvarez who drove it in should bode well for the Pirates.


Ron Cook: Cooke delivers best effort in a Penguins uniform

Ron Cook: Cooke delivers best effort in a Penguins uniform

2013-04-01 00:10:00

Matt Cooke's performance Saturday against the Islanders was probably the best in his Penguins career -- but maybe not his best ever.


Ron Cook: Penguins give right response to Crosby injury

Ron Cook: Penguins give right response to Crosby injury

2013-03-31 00:09:36

Sidney Crosby leaves game after deflected puck hits him in the face on the first shift, but the Penguins clamp down and win anyway.


Ron Cook: Penguins expectations even higher

Ron Cook: Penguins expectations even higher

2013-03-29 00:11:49

It's clear the front office wants even more than what the team has achieved recently.


Gerrit Cole move sound financially for Pirates

Gerrit Cole move sound financially for Pirates

2013-03-26 00:02:49

Ron Cook: While Cole has proven himself ready to pitch in MLB, business always is a factor, usually the overriding factor for Pirates.


Ron Cook: My money, and Pitt's, says Dixon is the right fit

Ron Cook: My money, and Pitt's, says Dixon is the right fit

2013-03-24 00:37:18

Pitt coach Jamie Dixon may not be perfect, but it's certainly too early to give up on him.


Ron Cook: Harvard bows out against talented Arizona

Ron Cook: Harvard bows out against talented Arizona

2013-03-24 00:02:41

Wildcats and Sean Miller put a quick end to the feel-good story of the NCAA tournament with a 74-51 win against the Crimson.


Ron Cook: Sean Miller calls Dixon an elite coach

Ron Cook: Sean Miller calls Dixon an elite coach

2013-03-23 00:09:20

While paying Jamie Dixon an ultimate compliment, former Pitt standout Sean Miller downplayed any interest in coaching the Panthers.


Ron Cook: A sad, inexplicable day for Pitt

Ron Cook: A sad, inexplicable day for Pitt

2013-03-22 00:09:09

Guard Tray Woodall, one of two seniors on the roster, had probably the worst game of his career at the worst possible time for the Panthers.


Ron Cook: Inconsistent Patterson could be X-factor for Pitt

Ron Cook: Inconsistent Patterson could be X-factor for Pitt

2013-03-21 00:23:56

The key to Pitt succeeding in the NCAA tournament might not be Tray Woodall or Steven Adams -- it might be junior forward Lamar Patterson.


Cook: Reality at times puts Pitt coach Jamie Dixon on defensive

Cook: Reality at times puts Pitt coach Jamie Dixon on defensive

2013-03-19 00:11:33

Ron Cook writes that the coach loathes the suggestion that his teams have underachieved in the NCAA tournament.


Ron Cook: A Letang absence will be challenging for Penguins

Ron Cook: A Letang absence will be challenging for Penguins

2013-03-18 00:12:54

If Penguins defenseman Kris Letang misses an extended period of time, the Penguins' winning streak might not last much longer.


Cook: Hard to leave Big East, but Pitt, ACC will be fine

2013-03-17 00:11:04

Leaving the Big East and its tournament at Madison Square Garden behind is not easy for Pitt, but the ACC will be fine.


Ron Cook: Syracuse makes one final stand at Big East Conference tournament

2013-03-16 00:14:41

Coach Jim Boeheim making one more run before leaving conference.


Cook: Pitt will need to have plenty of fight

2013-03-15 00:09:33

For Pitt to have any chance in the NCAA tournament it will need plenty of fight.


Ron Cook: Big East tournament week is an amazing ride

Ron Cook: Big East tournament week is an amazing ride

2013-03-12 00:23:05

For many sports fans, it doesn't get much better than the slew of great Big East matchups at Madison Square Garden this week.


Ron Cook: No changes needed on Crosby's line

Ron Cook: No changes needed on Crosby's line

2013-03-11 00:09:33

Wingers Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis are proving Penguins general manager Ray Shero doesn't need to trade for another scorer.


Cook: Harrison's exit from Steelers wrong, avoidable

Cook: Harrison's exit from Steelers wrong, avoidable

2013-03-10 00:14:29

The Steelers look like the losers in their breakup with veteran linebacker James Harrison, one that didn't have to happen.


Cook: Mental aspect still final piece of the puzzle for Penguins

Cook: Mental aspect still final piece of the puzzle for Penguins

2013-03-08 00:18:30

The Penguins clearly have more talent than the Flyers, but in Thursday's win, everyone except James Neal finally played with discipline.


Cook: Future of Pitt is in good hands with Robinson at the helm

Cook: Future of Pitt is in good hands with Robinson at the helm

2013-03-06 00:11:33

Panthers point guard James Robinson is only a freshman, but is a promising talent who plays with maturity far beyond his years.


Cook: Fleury's mental strength shines

2013-03-05 00:15:42

Marc-Andre Fleury is a true pro, not just a winner but a Stanley Cup-winning goaltender.


Cook: Pitt center Taylor's tale one of strength, perseverance

Cook: Pitt center Taylor's tale one of strength, perseverance

2013-03-04 00:01:28

Regardless of what he did on the court, the story of Pitt senior big man Dante Taylor is one we all can learn from.


Ron Cook: Thanks for the memories Pitt, Big East

Ron Cook: Thanks for the memories Pitt, Big East

2013-03-03 00:10:38

Big East basketball provided many great moments for Pitt, but even more await the Panthers in the ACC.


Ron Cook: Pitt's NCAA failures are painful for coach Jamie Dixon, too

2013-02-28 00:01:48

Focus should be on the Panthers' overall success the past 11 years and not just on their losses in the NCAA tournament.


Cook: Panthers made right decision

2013-02-26 00:15:27

The Pitt football program has been stuck in mediocrity for more than three decades.


Ron Cook: Kunitz proves to be common denominator

Ron Cook: Kunitz proves to be common denominator

2013-02-25 00:14:36

No matter what line he's on, Penguins winger Chris Kunitz continues to produce and help his linemates do the same.


Ron Cook: For Pirates front office, it's 82 or bust

Ron Cook: For Pirates front office, it's 82 or bust

2013-02-24 00:13:26

That Pirates have a magic number this season, 82 -- a number that the jobs of Coonelly, Huntington and Hurdle hinge on.


Ron Cook: Former Penguins coach Therrien, Canadiens thriving

Ron Cook: Former Penguins coach Therrien, Canadiens thriving

2013-02-22 00:20:18

Michel Therrien is the talk of the town in Montreal, where his Canadiens have made a quick turnaround.


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