JimnBigD: Jerry, Badger Bob used to say that you need at least one easy series to win the Stanley Cup and they don?t get much easier than that. Do you agree?

Jerry Micco: I think at some point, you need to get one where you breeze so you can rest your guys. The Pens would get a huge rest if Detroit lost tonight vs. Chicago. I don't think the NHL would start the finals before June 5 in that case. But I look for Detroit to wrap it up tonight and for the Final to start either Saturday or Sunday.

JimnBigD: Given the number of times Cowher has been on the wrong side in big games should we send him a thank you note?

Jerry Micco: I think if the Penguins need him for motivation, then maybe they should send him a thank-you note. I do recall, however, that Cowher was on the right side of a game 3 years ago.

Homey: If and when the Pens go back to using 6 defensemen, is it really a given that Boucher is the one who's dropped? I've been impressed with his play, and consider him a little above Eaton and Gill at this point.

Jerry Micco: I think the Pens will play 7 defensemen to start the Detroit series, but I'd not put Boucher above Gill or Eaton. I realize that Gill did not have his best series vs. Carolina, but he's such a big presence and can get in the way (no, not just Fleury's way) that you should think twice about benching him. I think if they go back to six, Boucher sits out. Eaton has played well the entire playoffs.

Homey: A couple weeks ago, as soon as the Pens closed out the Caps in Game 7, I wrote a question to Molinari in the Q&A. I was stunned to hear back from him personally on the very same night. Just wanted you to know that sort of effort is appreciated.

Jerry Micco: Dave is a pro. One of the best hockey writers in the country and we're lucky enough to have him here. He really does try to get back to folks as soon as possible, not only through his daily Q&A, but personally. Sometimes, he's just got too much on his plate to respond right away, but when he's got the time, he's very good about doing so.

Homey: I know that you, the Hungarian, and I are going to be glued to the set this afternoon, watching the biggest annual sporting event in the world (Champions League final). So who's your pick - Man United or Barcelona?

Jerry Micco: More important: what's your pick. Mine is a guess, but you are an expert. Aren't you?

doug_s: I can't figure out why this Pirates team doesn't have a better record. With their super starting pitching, this is a very different type of team they have had in the past. The play good defense and they outscore their opponents. What gives?

Jerry Micco: Inconsistency and the starting pitching has shown that it's inconsistent as well. I'm a big fan of Paul Maholm, but he seems to have one in every three starts where he gets shelled. Snell hasn't shown much all year. Ohlendorf is fine as a No. 4 guy. Karstens has more poor starts than good starts. Only Duke seems to consistently do a good job. Maholm, to me, still has the best stuff, but when he pitches well, they don't hit. When he doesn't, it's rare they can outscore the opposition (as they did Tuesday). Just too inconsistent to be a good team.

doug_s: Why does everyone get on Karstens? I think he is at least a .500 pitcher as 5-starter. That's pretty good. I wonder why more people aren't concerned with Snell? Gorzo could take his spot.

Jerry Micco: As I said, Karstens is a No. 5 and pitches like one. You get what you get from him. I don't think he can be a .500 pitcher, but maybe I'm wrong about that. I'd be very concerned about Snell. He's been around long enough to know how to pitch in this league. But he's so inconsistent that he's become a bad pitcher. I'm not sure Gorzo is the guy to replace him, though.

doug_s: I am a mobile DJ and I have a wedding coming up where the bride has requested the Go Cubs Go song. Do I boycott or give the customer what they want?

Jerry Micco: Who's paying you? Question answered.

James_Taipei: Do you think the Penguins can pick up a goal scorer in the offseason to play along side Crosby? There must be someone that wants to play with a team that is likely to be a Cup contender for at least the next five years.

Jerry Micco: I'd say if Bill Guerin stays, he can get 25 or more beside Crosby. I'm sure the Pens will look for more pop from a free agent winger, and maybe he goes on that line, too, but they are going to be squeezed a bit by the cap, so it may be someone who's a bit of a reach.

James_Taipei: I agree with your comment last week that Brandon Moss should be given a chance since the Pirates are not going to win a division title. Still couldn't Frank Coonelly be a little more honest and not try to pull wool over fans heads by saying that the Pirates are putting out the lineup most likely to win games?

Jerry Micco: I think if Moss continues to improve, it probably is the best lineup they can muster. Same with Andy LaRoche. Neither one has the power numbers you want for those positions, but let's face it, LaRoche is holding Alvarez's spot for a couple years, and Moss may eventually replace Adam LaRoche at first. I think Moss can drive the ball and the Pirates like that. I'm not sure he can hit more than 15 homers in a season. That said, you can't sign one- or two-year free agents and expect to build a team around that. They tried and failed at that.

James_Taipei: Did you think that Crosby has learned enough to reverse the results of last years finals? Do the Penguins have enough supporting cast to beat the Red Wings?

Jerry Micco: It will be a tough series because I think the teams are very even. Last year, I thought the Wings were clearly better. Not so this year, even though they added Marian Hossa. The additions the Penguins got near the trade deadline have made them better than last year's outfit. And I'm sure Sid and all the guys learned what it's like to go through the Final because they did it last year. They'll be more ready then they were last season.

praveen: If Cowher's Canes preference didn't annoy some pens fans enough, did he really have to mention the reason for supporting the Pens in case they beat the Carolina was "because he supports the Eastern Conference." Which means it wouldn't matter to him whether it was the Pens or the Isles or whatever. I know that's not what he really feels, but it comes off like that.

Jerry Micco: I'm surprised, but not really, that Pittsburghers have reacted this way. Who cares who Bill Cowher supports? Does everyone who grew up here have to support the local teams if they move away? Has anyone called Marty Schottenheimer to see if he's pulling for the Pens? Jim Leyland? He did manage here so there's no way he can live in Detroit and support the Wings, can he? I think it's just people talking aimlessly about something that really doesn't matter. I could care less, personally, what Bill Cowher does.

praveen: If Fleury and Malkin can play like they did against Carolina, I think that would make up for the lack of Hossa this year. Fleury had one great game, but was inconsistent while Malkin was consistent in being invisible last year's finals. Malkin seems to have gotten stronger lately. Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: To beat Detroit, the Penguins have to play their very best. If Fleury plays as well as he did last year in the Final, they have a good chance to win it. But everyone who is anyone has to come to play. That includes Malkin, Crosby, Staal, Guerin, Fedotenko, Gonchar, Scuderi, et al. All the big guys have to play even bigger.

praveen: Would it kill Versus to add a half hour pregame so they can get the studio previews out of the way and show us the on-ice festivities like the siren sounding which would be appealing to casual viewers to set the atmosphere(even for non-Cowher related reasons)? ABC and ESPN have more high rated programs and they seem to have no problem showing more footage of the arena before tipoff.

Jerry Micco: I think Versus does what it has to for the NHL and nothing more. The guys who do it are OK, not great, and the studio time they do pre and post game is not much. If this indeed is the big sport for that network, then blow it out. I think they probably make more money on Ultimate Cage Fighting than hockey, so that's where they put their resources. I think eventually, and sooner rather than later, the NHL needs to get on another network, or it needs to hold VS feet to the fire and demand more games and more shows that showcase the league.

James_Taipei: I guess my question about a winger who can score is if you see someone giving the Penguins a discount to play with a Stanley Cup contender like Hossa did with Detroit?

Jerry Micco: Oh, I'm sure someone will be out there who would do exactly that. However, the Pens may be cramped by the salary cap and even at a discount, they can't afford another $7 million salary.

Chunkles: Jerry, great article by Ron Cook on James Harrison. I think what Harrison did was a slap in the face to Dan Rooney. Oh well, I guess 50 million dollars is not enough money to buy Mr. Harrison some class. Dan Rooney was probably one of the first guys to call James after Harrison's son was mauled by a Pit Bull. Speaking of the Steelers, how sweet was it that the Pens swept the Carolina Cowhers? He can use that white towel he was swinging around last night to clean Ron Francis;s golf clubs today!

Jerry Micco: Ron's column has sparked a lot of interest from our readers. Our columnists, both Ron and Gene Collier, add so much to our sports sections with their insights. A lot of folks disagree with them, but you can also add up a lot of folks who agree with them, too. That's part of the turf when you are the person whose job it is to give informed opinion. As for Cowher and the Canes, I'm sure Cowher has a lot of folks to clean his clubs, so that towel may get some use that way. As for Ron Francis, he's my favorite Penguin of all time, so I only wish great things for him. He has the chance to be a very good NHL GM one day, I believe.

praveen: Tie Domi cheering on the Pens in Mario's suite. Who knew they were such good friends?

Jerry Micco: I saw that guy and have no idea who it was. Domi is a good line, though. Pretty funny stuff when you think about it.

James_Taipei: Any word if the Steelers are looking at any veteran receivers to be the fourth receiver behind Ward, Holmes, and Sweed?

Jerry Micco: No word on that yet, though you never know when the team could pick up that guy. I'm sure they are going to give the kid from Ole Miss a long look, assuming that in year 2, Sweed is a bit more polished. But if the right guy at the right price is out there, I'm sure Kevin Colbert will take a hard look at him.

praveen: If you can get Alyonka Larionov(Igor's daughter) to do video Pens chats here, I think you will get a lot of guys logging on.

Jerry Micco: I think a lot of folks have seen the video she's done with Geno, which is pretty funny. She's an attractive young lady, but I don't know why guys would prefer her over me. I mean, seriously? OK, maybe I can guess at the answer. Nevermind.

Scuba_Steve: Not to dwell on the negatives during a great time to be a Pens fan, but as long as we're picking on Versus (and justifiably so in my opinion), could anyone really enjoy that ridiculous behind the goalie angle they are using during power plays?

Jerry Micco: I absolutely hate that, however, I give them credit for trying it. If you never try, you never fail. Or succeed. They don't use it often, so that's not so bad.

praveen: Has anyone spotted Ron Burkle at any of the Pens playoff games? Just curious.

Jerry Micco: I've not heard of a spotting, though our Penguins reporters would know more about that than I would.

James_Taipei: How do you see the carries being divided by Mendenhall and Willie Parker this year?

Jerry Micco: I think if Mendenhall isn't injured last season, he might have been the main guy down the stretch. I think if he's healthy and is off to a good start, by midseason you'll see a 2-back system and by year's end, Mendenhall may be the No. 1 guy. I think he can be that good.

Ty_Webb: If you think people have blown the Cowher story out of proportion, just wait till they start talking about Hossa next week.

Jerry Micco: I shudder to think. Though, our enterprising Pirates reporter, and former Penguins reporter Dejan Kovacevic, has already discussed Hossa in his story in Monday's P-G. I wonder how loud they'll boo Hossa back here? Unfortunately, it'll be pretty loud. I don't blame Hossa for doing what he did. On paper, the Wings are a tremendous team. They are on the ice, too. As I said, should be a great Final if the Wings put away Chicago.

praveen: Looks like Steelers strategy in franchising Starks only serves to help them short term each year(predictably). It backfires on them when it comes to convince him to sign long term for a reasonable contract since he has all the leverage of falling back on the high one year offer.

Jerry Micco: It also gives them time to develop players. If Starks won't sign long-term, then you keep franchising him until you can't anymore. By then, you should have guys in place to take his spot. It's probably not the best way to do it, but that's what they have in the Starks situation.

James_Taipei: Do you see Big Ben ever getting a chance to open it up some and put up some bigger passing numbers?

Jerry Micco: I think most teams in the NFL want to run the ball when they can because it wears other teams down. And it keeps your QB alive a lot longer. I think when they need to, the Steelers throw it. If they don't, they run it until the other team cries "uncle." Roethlisberger has very good receivers but only one -- Holmes -- is a real home run hitter. He doesn't have the Cards wideouts, who are home run hitters. The Steelers will always be a run-first team, but if they have to throw it, they have the personnel to do it.

Ty_Webb: Have you been watching the NBA? Their conference finals have been spectacular and LeBron James is going to be the best who ever played the game. He's dominant right now and its too bad he has no help.

Jerry Micco: I've watched very little of the NBA this playoff season. When hockey's on, that's what I watch because of the Penguins and it's what I prefer. I've watched a bit of both series. James is a tremendous talent, but I'm not ready to say he's Jordan or Kobe. Great players make players around them better. LeBron is not quite there yet. He's a wonderful talent, but I'm not sure he can make guys better -- yet.

praveen: I think it is understandable for the fans to feel bitter about the way Hossa left(not that Hossa wasn't entitled to jump ship to the team that just beat his team). If Jason Bay were a free agent and left for the Red Sox willingly, I can assure you many fans would feel good for Bay. I think it's the timing and which top team Hossa chose to go to that unfortunately puts him under the microscope in Pittsburgh. It is something fans will get over very easily if Pens can manage to beat Detroit.

Jerry Micco: Again, if Hossa was a guy you wanted long-term, I think you needed to start negotiating with him right away to convince him to stay. And it's not like he saw Detroit as his final team. He has a one-year deal, so I think he's going to shop himself every year. True, it looks bad to sign with the team that just beat you in the Final, but hey, if you want to go with a winner, Detroit's a pretty solid choice. And Hossa was here for a couple months as a rent-a-player. A lot was written about his likely not hanging around after last year.

Ty_Webb: I was not in Pittsburgh last week and when I came home I was surprised to see that the James Harrison White House story was such a big deal. I agree with Ron Cook and others that he should have attended, but he didn't have to. Why was it such a big deal? It's his business.

Jerry Micco: Because in our city and in our area, the Steelers are beyond popular. And you have one of the best players in the NFL not attending something that is almost an automatic thing. And his reason, which he told Andrew Stockey, was lame, if you heard it. I say if he doesn't want to go, he doesn't have to go. It's a free country. But I did agree with Ron's premise that for Dan Rooney, who paid him $51 million in a new contract, maybe he could have showed up.

praveen: Mike Brown(Cavs coach) seems to have no plan other than saying "LeBron, please bail us out". It's like watching Mario in the late 80s.

Jerry Micco: I agree. Cleveland has some talent, but they are not a team to me. Orlando plays that way, as a team. And Dwight Howard isn't a bad player himself. And he makes a lot of guys better with his defense as well as his inside game. The Cavs are in a tough mismatch with Orlando, which you could see down the stretch last night and into overtime.

Ty_Webb: When Matt Wieters hits two home runs for the Orioles on Friday night in his major league debut, is it ok to cry?

Jerry Micco: Well, if you are saying he'd be catching for the Pirates today, then yes. But I thought everyone here said Ryan Doumit can be huge for the Pirates, before he got hurt (again). So unless you wanted to move Doumit, Wieters would still be in AAA ball. That said, Danny Moskos for Matt Wieters? Ridiculous.

praveen: Any updates on Mendenhall's team spirit? How is his presence beyond mandated team activities? Does he seem to be bonding well with his teammates?

Jerry Micco: Ed Bouchette is a better guy to ask than me about that, and unless the players are chatty with you about those things, it's tough to find that out. And it's never with a published name. Players rarely call another player out in public.

praveen: Considering how the playoffs are scheduled, my wish is for the RedWings to win today(so playoffs will start Sat), or have this series go 7 games(for another week).

Jerry Micco: I'd much rather see the Final start sooner rather than later. If it starts on June 5, it could be past June 15 for a Game 7. That's just crazy. I believe the Pens lost on June 5 last year. The playoffs are so spread out it's too much. And I think a Game 7 is very possible in this series if Detroit wins its series.

Lord_Stanley: Sidney Crosby will be hoisting me in the air very shortly

Jerry Micco: I think so, too. I think the Pens take the Final in 7 games. They may have just enough to do it against a very formidable team.

PhillyMarty: Two co-mingled thoughts. Please explain how it is news worthy of mention beyond Game Notes of the opinion or rooting interest of a former local coach in a sport that he did not professionally involve himself in? Cowher's time here is long past. History will eventually prove how overrated his merely above average coaching was. The SB he did win was more a reflection of the work of the front office/player procurement staff and the players themselves. His AFC TItle Game record particularly at home is proof that he was more of a rider than a driver of the team bus. That Tomlin won so soon with what many think was a team of lesser talent (see the O-line), supports my case.

Jerry Micco: Well, we played it as a note in today's paper, so that was our feeling on the importance of it. I think Cowher was much more than you think, however. Won more than 150 games, got to 2 SBs and won one. I don't know, if you never get to AFC title games, you can't lose them. I think once he decides to get back into the fray, a lot of teams will bid for his services. And no knock on Tomlin, he's been terrific since he arrived. But I think Cowher did a very good job here, too.

PhillyMarty: Pens second road win in each of the first three series was the series clincher despite twice losing a home elimination game. Leads me to suggest they win their second road game in Detroit in Game 7, what a ride that would be!

Jerry Micco: Marty and I are on the same page with predictions. A SB win and a Cup in one season. And Pitt was seconds away from a Final Four. Not a bad year for the city, I'd say.

Lord_Stanley: I can't say enough about the Empty Netters blog. Its where I go for Pens news - before, after, and during the games.

Jerry Micco: Seth Rorabaugh keeps that up and does a terrific job. He also has other duties at the paper, so he works quite a bit to keep all those balls in the air. It's been a great addition to our Web site and our Pens coverage.

Lord_Stanley: Let's give Cowher a break. The poor shlub was sitting alone in the stands last night with no Kaye or the kids in sight.

Jerry Micco: He didn't seem all that unhappy, though.

PhillyMarty: I was hoping the floundering Browns would hire Cowher. He will flop in his next job if he has too much power and not a strong front office to back him up.

Jerry Micco: I think Cowher will have front office control in his next gig, which I do not think will bode well for him. On that we'd agree. I think, though, with a good front office, he can coach teams to winning seasons and can get back to the SB.

ajt123: How big of a loss will Fletcher be in the loner term?

Jerry Micco: A rather large one, because like most great managers, Ray Shero relied on input from guys he trusted. Cliff Fletcher was one of those guys. The Wild got a very good one.

PhillyMarty: How does Seth type his in-game blog and still keep an eye on the action? Does he dictate to someone else who types as he watches the game?

Jerry Micco: He does it as it goes. He watches it on TV or his laptop when he's not at the game. I'm sure he has to ask occasional questions of other reporters as to detail, but he's pretty quick to get his stuff out there. They are not long entries during games, so he can bang them out and return to the action. It's not easy work for that very reason. A lot going on and you have to be quick to post.

Jerry Micco: I need to run folks. Thanks for taking the time to join me today. I always appreciate the company from all of you. Enjoy the Cup Final and I'll see you next Wednesday at noon. Should be plenty to discuss.