James_Taipei: Do you think that the Penguins have any chance of luring Marian Hossa back with a short term contract? He would get the chance to play for a Stanley Cup.

Shelly Anderson: There's always a chance, especially since Jordan Staal, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang will still be under their rookie contracts next season. However, Marian Hossa will be looking for fairly big bucks, probably a number that starts with a 7 per seasons, and ends a handful of years from now. The Penguins can hope that he softens on that latter part and is willing to sign a shorter deal in exchange for being with a team that has a legitimate chance at the Stanley Cup.

I_Hate: What player or group have tou been the most surprised by? Dissappointed in?

Shelly Anderson: Going back to the regular season, you would have to say Ty Conklin came out of nowhere to really play lights-out while No. 1 goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was hurt. More recently, the fourth line has been great at cycling the puck and wearing out top opponent lines. As for a disappointment, there haven't been many. Perhaps defenseman Ryan Whitney would qualify because he has not has played up to his considerable potential.

James_Taipei: Should the Penguins celebrate if the Bruins knock off Montreal today?

Shelly Anderson: Well, the Penguins wouldn't play Montreal until the conference final, so there's little room for celebration there. If the Bruins win Game 7 at Montreal, the Penguins play Boston. That's probably a little more favorable matchup than the New York Rangers, but there are no more Ottawas ahead regardless of the matchups.

I_Hate: How did proctice look today? Gary Roberts sighting?

Shelly Anderson: The Penguins, with more time on their hands than John McCain these days, opted for an off-ice workout rather than a practice. Gary Roberts is said to be day-to-day with a groin issue but is expected to play in Game 1 of the second round -- if that day ever gets here.

James_Taipei: What is the Penguins biggest problem heading into the second round? What do you think need to be addressed the most for them to make it to the Eastern Conference finals?

Shelly Anderson: That's actually a tough question because problems seem few and far between after that performance against Ottawa. Rust might be a factor early in the second round. Maybe the team could be a little more dominant in faceoffs, although that has improved. And, although this is out of the players' control, the ice at Mellon Arena could always be improved when it gets warm outside.

BadLieutenant: Bob Smizik, in a recent piece, stated that Malkin should be signed for $8.7 million a year-an obvious reference to Crosby's contract as a means to quash any potential ego crises with the two superstars. How likely is that contract?

Shelly Anderson: It's hard to say. Evgeni Malkin lately has been doing a few short one-on-one interviews in English with reporters he knows, but things as comprehensive as a discussion of contract terms are still beyond his ability or willingness in English. However, neither player -- especially Crosby -- seems to have ego issues. Perhaps that will help things go smoothly if the Penguins and Malkin discuss an extension beginning with the 2009-10 season. Those talks can begin July 1.

I_Hate: Any inside info of when the 1st game will be? Why does opponent matter when only announcing when the game will be?

Shelly Anderson: You're overlooking the ruler of all scheduling matters -- television. The Penguins next game will be no sooner than Thursday, but the schedule won't be announced until the matchups are determined and the TV execs determine what games they want for what telecasts.

lemieux67: Does Gary Roberts play in Game 1 2nd round?

Shelly Anderson: That's the word.

Fan_Since_The_70s: Will we see Mark Eaton returning to the line-up and if so who will sit?

Shelly Anderson: It's doubtful defenseman Mark Eaton, who is coming off knee surgery, will be ready before the third round, the Eastern Conference final, should the Penguins make it that far. As for who will sit, if there are no injuries in the interim, that's a good question. Darryl Sydor, a veteran whose name appears on the Stanley Cup a couple places, sat through the first round, and he certainly is worthy of playing. A couple months ago, the answer undoubtedly would be Brooks Orpik, but he's playing really well with Sergei Gonchar. Now, it's anyone's guess.

I_Hate: I hear Colby's back in the Burgh? Have you seen him at all?

Shelly Anderson: Funny man and winger Colby Armstrong, who was traded to Atlanta in February, supposedly is back in Pittsburgh. Just follow the laughter and you'll probably find him.

lemieux67: Will all the round 2 games be telecast in HD?

Shelly Anderson: We'll have to see which games are on what networks to know this. FSN Pittsburgh just doesn't have the capability of showing all games in high definition.

KesaKount: Shelly, as a reporter, do you get bored waiting for the next series to start?

Shelly Anderson: Let's put it this way -- if anyone has any knockout story ideas, we're all ears. But sure, like anyone, we'd like to see more games, especially if they might be as entertaining as the last series.

Shelly Anderson: Thanks, everyone. Next week, we'll have games to discuss.