James_Taipei: Is Jordan Staal's six playoff goals a sign that we can expect more offensive production from him next year?

Shelly Anderson: Jordan Staal is doing things in an unconventional way. He had a great offensive season as a rookie in 2006-07 while becoming a strong defensive forward. This season, he has been even more of a rock defensively while his offense slowed a little -- even though he was still getting chances. He's only 19, and in seasons to come, look for him to become highly proficient at both ends.

James_Taipei: Detroit(assuming the beat Dallas) is a veteran team but with the way the Penguins are playing now can we start planning the victory parade?

Shelly Anderson: Detroit would set up as the Penguins' toughest opponent so far this postseason. The Red Wings are a much more experience team and have similar strengths to the Penguins. They have probably a better group of defensemen top to bottom, but they don't have Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin. And Marc-Andre Fleury seems every bit the equal of Chris Osgood in goal, maybe better.

DickTarnstrom_: Is it just me, or is Fleury looking a bit reckless when he goes behind the net to steer the puck up the boards? Don't get me wrong, he's been great in goal, but it seems like there have a few too many times that he's misjudged the speed of the oncoming forwards and been hit / tripped behind the net. He's asking at a bad giveaway and an easy goal if he does it against Detroit ...

Shelly Anderson: Well, Marc-Andre Fleury did draw a penalty behind his net in Game 5 against the Flyers. Stick-handling hasn't been his forte since he got to the NHL, but it has improved tremendously over the course of this season, apparently because of extensive work with goaltending coach Gilles Meloche and from things Fleury saw and learned from Ty Conklin, who filled in so well while Fleury was hurt. Sure, he could get in trouble if he makes mistakes out of the net. Philadelphia's Martin Biron ventured behind his net in Game 5 when big Ryan Malone was back there. Biron ended up without his stick, and Evgeni Malkin made him pay for it with a goal.

CupHolder92: I keep hearing that the Western Division plays a different style of hockey, but after watching a few playoff games it seems pretty similar to the East. Maybe a little more wide open, but not by much. Is there something I am missing? How do you think the Pens style meshes with the West style?

Shelly Anderson: First, you would have to define the Penguins' style, and that's not a simple thing. Their game is both defensively sound and, because of their speed, high-voltage on offense. Detroit has similar attributes. Both teams can win playing different styles. So there's probably not a big difference based on which conference they play in. Not too many years ago, the East was considered more defense- and trap-oriented (New Jersey had a lot to do with that) while the West was more wide open, but since the lockout with the new rules and rules interpretations, things have evened out across the NHL.

Carnegie: How is Max Talbot able to play so well with a broken foot?

Shelly Anderson: A high tolerance for pain, apparently. Remember, we found out last year that Sidney Crosby had been playing on a broken foot for the last month or so of the season. As long as the bone that is broken is not a critical weight-bearing bone, it comes down to being able to put on a skate and deal with the pain. And, on top of that, Max Talbot is a little crazy, which he would be the first to tell you.

Bring_On_The_West: I've been hearing that if Detroit wins tonight the first game of the next series will be on Saturday. Is that correct? If it goes 7 will it still start on Saturday?

Shelly Anderson: There's nothing official on the particulars of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final, but Saturday looks like a good bet if Detroit closes things out tonight. Otherwise, it might not happen until May 27. It looks as if all the games, including weekend dates, will begin around 8 p.m. Eastern.

Carnegie: Do you expect our young guys to be more nervous playing in the cup final or do you see them remaining as composed as they are?

Shelly Anderson: They'll probably have a few jitters, especially for the first game. Who wouldn't? But this team has been remarkable for maintaining an even keel, and that starts with the incredible off-ice calmness of their captain, Sidney Crosby.

Carnegie: Are coach Therrien's skeptics becoming less and less?

Shelly Anderson: Climbing back into the woodwork as we speak, most likely. It's one thing to nitpick about various coaching decisions such as personnel options on the power play or line combinations, but Michel Therrien's track record is more than solid, and just look at the job he did with so many players -- top players -- missing significant time this season because of injuries.

mlg5070: Do you think the Penguins will have a harder time adjusting and planning for their opponent considering they do not know much about them?

Shelly Anderson: Not in this century. Even though the Penguins only played the Red Wings in the preseason and Dallas just once, video will give both teams extensive knowledge of each other for planning purposes. Also, players and coaches talk, and you can bet they will be getting insight and tips from buddies around the league who are familiar with Detroit and Dallas. Not to mention, the Penguins can relax tonight and see those two teams for themselves in their Game 6.

JDPensfan: Does Thirren and Shero deserve the GM and coach of the year? My money says yes, they do.

Shelly Anderson: Coach Michel Therrien, who guided this team past tough situations, and general manager Ray Shero, who pulled off deadline trades to bring in Marian Hossa, Pascal Dupuis and Hal Gill, certainly deserve a tremendous amount of credit for getting the Penguins to the Stanley Cup final. However, Therrien is not one of three finalists for the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year, and there isn't a major awards-night trophy for GM of the year.

JDPensfan: Where will the cup party be when we bring it back home to da 'Burgh?

Shelly Anderson: Well, Mario Lemieux has moved since he won the Cups, so it won't be at the same pool this time. Honestly, the official party could be a parade or a rally. It's too bad the roof of Mellon Arena doesn't open anymore. More than likely, there will be a party on every block around town.

Carnegie: Is it easier and more fun to cover the Pen's while they are winning so much or do you remain objective?

Shelly Anderson: We remain objective, but as you might imagine, doing interviews is a little easier when a team is winning. Then again, given the growing number of journalists covering the team, it gets a little crowded at times.

JDPensfan: How cool is it the Pens open in Sweden next season and make the swede fans love Crosby just like Canada and Pittsburgh ...

Shelly Anderson: Assuming Sidney Crosby doesn't slip up and diss salmon or something, the Swedes no doubt will be looking forward to October when the Penguins open next season with two games against Ottawa. Sweden is a pretty hockey-mad country, so the fans there probably are well aware of the Penguins' young star.