malkin71: Are the Pens playing on making any moves at goal to backup Sabourin?

Shelly Anderson: They say they are not, and that's believable -- as long as Dany Sabourin (and new backup Ty Conklin) are holding the fort. If they spin out of control for a few games, that could change. However, it's unlikely the Penguins are going to be willing to mortgage the future for a stopgap covering a few weeks or take on a salary that could hinder re-signing some of their young talent. In addition, coach Michel Therrien likes Sabourin.

SDWC: Is there any word on the extent of Scuderi's injury?

Shelly Anderson: Defenseman Rob Scuderi, who left Saturday night's game after blocking a shot with his left foot, was back at practice today participating fully and said he was fine for tomorrow night's game against the Rangers.

steel_head: Merry Christmas to the whole Post-Gazette gang ... thanks for the superb reporting,reads and chats...

Shelly Anderson: Thanks. Same to all our online and hard-copy readers.

SDWC: Do you believe Sabourin can hold up as the #1 until Fleury returns? I'd hate to see the team have to spend money on a veteran stopgap only to be stuck with him later in the year.

Shelly Anderson: So far, so good. This might be a good time for that high-powered offense to kick it up so that Sabourin doesn't have to play like Ken Dryden to keep them in games. As you say, and as the earlier answer indicates, the Penguins would rather not have to find a different short-term answer.

The_priapist: Hi Shelly. Thanks for taking our questions. What's Sergei Gonchar's status? Will he be available for tomorrow night's game against the Rangers?

Shelly Anderson: Like Scuderi, Sergei Gonchar was back at practice. He apparently is over his flu-like illness. Sabourin played despite similar if milder symptoms. So far, it hasn't struck anyone else on the team.

SDWC: What to do see at the team's most critical weakness that needs to be addressed if the team is to contend for a playoff spot & division title this year?

Shelly Anderson: There are a few areas that stand out, but scoring from the wingers might be the most critical. Tyler Kennedy has done a good job since being called up, but the center-heavy Penguins need more from the wingers. After that, would be consistently good goaltending.

NYCH: Was there some kind of trouble between Recchi and Therrien? Recchi apparently does not have good words for his treatment by him this year. He started off pretty well with his new team.

Shelly Anderson: According to Mark Recchi, there were hard feelings because Recchi felt like he was in a Catch-22 -- he was being benched because he wasn't producing, but he wasn't producing because he had been demoted off the top line and off the top power-play unit. However, it seems that Michel Therrien stuck with Recchi in those high-profile spots longer than many wanted and received a lot of criticism for it. I doubt the two will be having dinner the next time Recchi is in town.

The_priapist: Has any thought been given to allowing Letang act as the "quarterback" on the powerplay? I wasn't thrilled with Sydor at the point on Saturday.

Shelly Anderson: Remember, the Penguins played that game without Sergei Gonchar, who is normally at that important point position and seems to be a good catalyst for generating puck movement and shots. A good scenario is having Gonchar on the left point and Letang, a right-handed shot, on the right side.

Shelly Anderson: Of course, I mean Gonchar on the right side and Letang on the left.