JimnBigD: Crosby must be hurt. Why else would he play less minutes than Talbot?

Jerry Micco: I don't think Sid is injured, but the matchups, including some PK, merited having Talbot and Staal on the ice more. I think in most situations, you'll see Malkin and Crosby on the ice more, but at times like Game 6, you may see matchups that dictate getting a guy like Talbot on the ice more. Plus, he's a good faceoff guy.

theWellHungarian: Hi Jerry-- Wow am I glad there is only one game left, because I don't think my heart can take any more, but do you think Flower is due for a good game at the Joe? I think he can and I look back to Game 7 against Washington. I know Washington is not Detroit, but offensively, in my opinion, they are better than Detroit and boast the most explosive scorer in the NHL today in A.O. Flower in that Game 7 was electric! Washington's crowd is also much more hostile and intense than Detroit's. I experienced both. With all that said.... Let's Go Pens!!

Jerry Micco: I think it's going to be a tall order for Fleury and the Penguins on Friday night. Detroit is better than Washington, maybe not offensively, but overall the Wings deliver more and they deliver it in waves. But I'll stick by my original prediction, Penguins in 7. You never know when you get to a one-game championship. So much stuff can happen.

theWellHungarian: Did you by any chance hear Mike Lange's goal calls and call at the end of the game? He is the best in the business. Enough said

Jerry Micco: I heard it on DVE this morning. He's in the Hockey Hall for a reason.

theWellHungarian: Andrew McCutcheon .... So far, thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Exciting player who can be a force at the top of the lineup. As long as the expectations of fans aren't that he hit 20 homers a season, he can be very good as a leadoff guy. Great speed. Triples speed, for sure. But it's early yet and pitchers haven't put together a book on him. You have to be patient with young players, but I think you can see this guy has many skills.

theWellHungarian: So far in this series, Sid has yet to have a signature game. Do you see him breaking out and taking over and dominating the way he can Friday night?

Jerry Micco: I don't think Detroit allows any one player to dominate them. I thought Game 4 was a signature game for Sid, and if he can have a Game 7 that's similar, the Pens will be in that game and possibly win it.

theWellHungarian: Hats off to the crowds at the Igloo (and my 2 buddies in NYC, Tony & John V) I don't buy it when they say that, traditionally, hockey is the sport where home-ice means the least. When the crowd is amped and the Igloo is rocking, the players seem to channel that energy and will themselves, especially in the 2 penalty kills and the end of the game

Jerry Micco: I think the crowd is more of a presence in NFL games because when they make noise, it can affect snap count, etc. But, there's no question in my mind that the raucous crowds at the Igloo count for something. The Pens do feed off of it, just as the Wings do in Detroit.

yzguy431: good afternoon, Jerry. what is significant in Pgh sports today?

Jerry Micco: I think the hockey team is pretty much on everyone's minds today.

yzguy431: Jerry, when is the NBA draft, and where do you think DeJuan Blair gets picked? also, what is a lottery pick?

Jerry Micco: I NBA draft is on June 25. I think Blair is a mid-first-round pick, and maybe a lottery pick at 14. He's probably between 12 and 18. With his dropping a lot of weight, making him quicker, he can be a nice NBA player. And if he continues to work, maybe a very good NBA player.

praveen: Hi Jerry, it's good to chat about something other than a Pens postmortem today. Do you think they should dress 7 defensemen? Boucher can relieve more of a workload from each of our d-men compared to a 12th forward who gets only 5 min of ice time. If we need more offense in the 3rd period, then the extra d-man can give Bylsma more flexibility.

Jerry Micco: I like bringing back Sykora because he can play defense. He's one of their better defensive forwards. I think he'll stick with the 6 defensemen.

praveen: I think the reason for Crosby's less ice time was because Bylsma had no reason to give him more ice time considering how well the other forwards were playing(Staal's line)

Jerry Micco: That's right. Staal's line was the top line last night and Talbot also skated with Sid and Geno's lines, too. So he was getting time on a couple lines last night. And Staal has been playing well the past couple games, so why not give him some time? Believe me, in Game 7, Sid and Geno will get more than their share of minutes.

praveen: Both are popular. Which celebratory song do you prefer. Rock N Roll Part 2 or Chelsea Dagger (used by the Blackhawks and soccer teams seemingly everywhere)?

Jerry Micco: I guess RNR Part II because I'm more familiar with it and it reminds me of the Cup years when that song signaled the Pens march to 2 championships.

praveen: If Pens can win this Game 7, it has to be the most impressive Stanley Cup in our history considering the quality of the finalist our team beat.

Jerry Micco: No question. If they can win 4 out of 5 against the team the caliber of Detroit and win the Cup, it'll be their best championship of the three.

praveen: Hate to bring up the Game 5 debacle considering our Game 6 win. But isnt there such a thing as being too much in control of one's emotions? Bylsma didn't seem to communicate with his players on the bench, but just stood their like a statue. I am sure he makes good adjustments in the locker room. But what about on the bench?

Jerry Micco: I think his record speaks volumes about his coaching ability. Game 5 was a bad game all around. It's better they get it out of their systems in a game where there can't be a Cup clinching. I think you'll see a well-played game by both teams on Friday night.

praveen: I hope NBC is happy with getting that extra 0.05 rating or whatever by banning the big screen viewing. It sure ruined their opening montage compared to the Versus opening montage showing fans cheering outside the arena.

Jerry Micco: I know NBC has business reasons for doing what they do, and with media companies these days, even big networks, every dollar is precious. But they could get a ton of good will if they opened the arena for a viewing or allowed the Pens to put the big screen up. But someone told me yesterday that they were landscaping the area where folks watch the games, so the Pens are not preparing for a change of heart by the Big Peacock.

theWellHungarian: How about the gritty play of Scuds? That guy does everything no one else wants to do. I was kinda surprised he didn't get a star last night.

Jerry Micco: He's played steady all season long and the reason he's not given a star is likely because they just expect solid, steady play from Scuderi. But as I've said before, as early as last year, Rob Scuderi was vilified by people in this town. Sometimes, you have to give a guy a couple, three years to develop. Scuderi worked hard on his game and now he's a very capable defenseman.

yzguy431: hey jerry. your take on the McLouth trade?

Jerry Micco: Stunned when I heard it. I still think if your goal is to build the farm system, why not wait until the trade deadline to see if anyone gave you more for a proven all-star who is your top HR and RBI guy. Seemed a bit early to make that trade, despite Neil Huntington's assertion it was a deal he couldn't refuse. Who knows if another contender, or the Braves later on, might not have offered more. I think I know the reason the Pirates need to rebuild a bad farm system, but it seems a shame to trade off a guy who can be a core player to do it. Of course on the other hand, who else can they trade to get much?

praveen: Bettman sure is a master at selectively hyping his accomplishments. He takes credit for increased ratings. But then we miss the point that the ratings have been any better than the Carolina-RedWings Cup finals. It's good it's on the upswing, but his tenure overall hasn't shown much to me. Rise of the ratings seems directly a result of the infusion of a new wave of superstars.

Jerry Micco: I think part of Gary Bettman's problem since he's been commissioner is that everyone thought he'd be the next David Stern. He's not and the sports are radically different. I think he's just kind of there, not a very aggressive commissioner, but I do give him credit for the year of the lockout. That action changed the sport in a very positive way and it allows for the great offensive superstars the league now has to showcase their talent. I don't have as much problem with Bettman as others do. I think he's doing what he can in a sport that isn't embraced by a lot of viewers in the US.

theWellHungarian: What do you think of the play of Diaz behind the dish? I really am enjoying the games he has been calling. When Doumit gets back do you see the Bucs moving him to 1st and trading Adam LaRoche?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure moving Doumit is the best move for them. I could see them moving Moss to first, which I believe he's played, once LaRoche is traded. Doumit has developed into a good catcher. I'm not so sure he's a good first baseman or right fielder. And while Diaz and Jaramillo have done a nice job in his stead, they may not be the players you want in there every day.

praveen: CORRECTION: I meant the ratings have NOT been any better than the Carolina 2002 Cup Finals.

Jerry Micco: Again, it's not a sport embraced by the majority of those in the U.S.

theWellHungarian: I ain't gonna lie to you, but how did Santonio Holmes get off of the marijuana bust? I read that they said there wasn't probable cause for pulling him over. There may not have been probable cause for pulling him over, but the fact that he had ganja then makes it a "probable cause"

Jerry Micco: But my understanding is, and I'm not an attorney by any stretch, the first act was pulling him over. If that was an illegal stop, then everything after it is tainted.

praveen: Tigers-Pirates series during the weekend. Talk about odd timing.

Jerry Micco: Not lost on us, here, either. It's odd how the two cities have kind of come together for sports over the past few years. The Steelers win a SB there. The baseball All-Star game was there the year before it was here. Pitt played an NCAA regional at Auburn Hills three years back. The Tigers and Pirates have played interleague a couple of times in the past three years. The back-to-back Cup finals with the Wings. Seems the two cities are entwined.

praveen: Any local celebs in town for the game other than the Steelers and Michael Keaton?

Jerry Micco: I've not seen any. But then, I'm not much for watching celebrities.

theWellHungarian: If you, or any other P-Gers get the chance to interview Robinzon Diaz, can you see if he can take pitches with his leg out a la Tony Pe??a?

Jerry Micco: Now why would he be able to do that? He's not exactly Pena behind the plate, but as I said before, he's a very capable backup.

Homey: Should Pitt fans be upset at the reports of Blair's weight loss and dedication to conditioning? Why should that be coming along now, when that could have helped us reach the Final Four a few months ago?

Jerry Micco: I don't think Blair's play for Pitt was anything but stellar, particularly his sophomore year. He certainly played at the top of his game, but I think everyone knew that he'd need to be a bit leaner for play at the next level. He was very good at Pitt, despite being probably a bit heavy.

KS_Steeler: Hi Jerry; sorry I am late, busy explaining to a lot of Kansas Citians this morning why they would never take away the Pens from Pittsburgh; Any chance Bylsma has Fluery on a short hook Friday?

Jerry Micco: No chance Fleury is on a short hook. He needed to be replaced in Game 5 because there was no reason for him to get continually pounded. There were more games to play. I think the Penguins will play better around him this time. As for KC taking the Pens, that dog had very little hunt in it. No way the NHL really wants to be in KC. The place didn't support hockey before, why now? If you're in Kansas, say hi to my high school teammate, Mark "Bear" Mangino, who has done an excellent job at Kansas the past few years.

praveen: What is the word on Casey Hampton? Is he less than 350 Pounds?

Jerry Micco: Not heard the word, but if he's less than 350, that'd be news. Casey always plays heavy and always has. He's just not able to be that heavy anymore and be as active as he once was. He's still good at what he does, but he's not the pro bowl player he was a couple years ago.

Homey: Good analysis on Holmes, Jerry. The pot would be considered "fruit of the poisonous tree" and not allowed as evidence against Holmes, according to Supreme Court precedent. And yes, I'm a criminal defense lawyer ... at your service.

Jerry Micco: Well who knows, I may need you one day. I hope not, but it's good to know. I have read a lot about the law and courts, but again, I'm no lawyer. But the Holmes case never seemed like a huge deal to me. Small amount of marijuana involved. Not saying it's a good thing, it's not. But it's not like he had bales of it in his SUV.

praveen: I enjoy Larry Murphy's analysis of games on the NHL Network. He does not mince words but doesn't come across as annoying as Mike Milbury. Maybe NBC or Versus should use him in the studio.

Jerry Micco: I've heard good things about Murphy, but have not heard him. I don't get NHL Network on my cable, even though I've got a top-tier package (I don't have Comcast).

Scuba_Steve: What's your take on the Pirates' draft, particularly the first rounder?

Jerry Micco: Sounds like an OK catcher, but I'd have picked Zack Wheeler, the high school pitcher. Sanchez appears to have a bit of pop in his bat, but is good defensively. Sounds like Jason Jaramillo to me, not a No. 4 pick. But the draft this year was a couple great players and a bunch of other guys. I like the fact they went pitcher the next 2 picks, then a centerfielder. But it'll take years to see how good these guys really are.

JimnBigD: If you buy the Gunner?s theory on hidden vigorous aren?t the Pens due some luck in Detroit?

Jerry Micco: Well, if you follow the vig, the Pens should be due in Detroit. But then again, the vig doesn't have to deal with the powerful Red Wings team that seems to play extremely well at home. In a game 7, however, a lucky bounce, a couple special teams plays and you can steal a game. The Pens will need a bit of both, and play their best game of the season, to pull of a win.

praveen: The fan with the ref outfit who showed up onscreen when Kennedy scored his goal in Game 4 had to be one of the funniest sights I have seen on a hockey telecast.

Jerry Micco: I didn't notice that, I was at the game, but there are like 3 or 4 guys dressed in those outfits at the game. Seems rather odd to me, but they certainly stand out.

KS_Steeler: You and Mangino are buddies! Very cool. My wife and entire family are Mizzou fans, so we cheer against him and his Jayhawks. I like him, great 'rags to riches' story; local guy, etc. And honestly, the guy is an awesome coach. Before he arrived, KU football was nothing. Maybe Pitt should look to him once the DW experiement fails!

Jerry Micco: Mark and I haven't stayed in touch past high school, but I've followed his career. He's done a terrific job at a place where basketball is king. And I'm not sure following a 9-4 season Pitt is entertaining any thoughts of getting rid of Dave Wannstedt.

ajt123: Do you agree with the apparent Pirates draft policy this year? Seems different from last year!

Jerry Micco: I think they knew they could take just about anyone at the 4 slot and it'd be hard to criticize them, particularly when the top 2 players were gone. And I think Sanchez has major signability, so for the Pirates, that's always a part of the equation. Although, they took Pedro Alvarez and shelled out the money. It's fair criticism of that front office for some of the trades, but you have to give them credit for taking and signing Alvarez.

ajt123: Dont outfeilders, corners anyway, prototypically have more power than what we are now projecting?

Jerry Micco: Yes. The corner guys for the Pirates are not home run hitters. No one really is except for Adam LaRoche and he generally tops out around 25 a year. I think they were counting on Doumit being a big power guy and McLouth. Well, at least until they decided he was expendable.

Homey: In light of Detroit's use of the term "Hockeytown," was I wondering if there's a single large city in the U.S. where hockey is the #1 sport. I'm confident that in Detroit, a championship by the Tigers or Lions would be bigger than the Wings.

Jerry Micco: Probably not, though they do support the Wings very well there. I used to think Minnesota would turn out for hockey, but they already lost one team and I'm not sure if the Vikings did anything that the Wild would be buried. No, I don't think hockey is the top sport in any city. Well, maybe Raleigh where they are the only game in town. But again, if NC State was good in basketball again, they'd be pushed back.

yzguy431: Jerry....why do baseball players take years to develop compared to other sports?

Jerry Micco: Because there's a lot of skill involved in playing baseball. You have to be able to field and throw, but more importantly, you have to be able to hit a number of different pitches. I think hitting a baseball is the single hardest thing to do in professional sports. It's a round ball and a round bat and you have to hit it square. Think about that for a bit.

ajt123: Does Guerin retire a winner if the Pens win?

Jerry Micco: Doubtful. He probably comes back to play for another Cup try next season.

ajt123: What seems to be the general consensus of the new announcer for the pirates, Nevrett?

Jerry Micco: I've not heard much from folks, but from what I've heard he's solid, easy to listen to. He sounds a bit like the late Skip Caray to me. The only criticism I'd have of him is he seems to have trouble judging fly balls. He often gets excited for a fly ball that is 10 feet short of the track. That's not a huge complaint. I think he's a good find for them overall.

ajt123: Do you think this cycle of trading good players is done or will we always have to be concerned about this?

Jerry Micco: I think for a team like the Pirates, it's a reality of life. You are not ever in the market for top-flight free agents. They don't have the money and those players want to play with winners. So you try to overstock your farm system and always have players ready to go, so that when Adam LaRoche is ready to be dealt, someone is ready to come up and play. As you can see, they don't have that now. So having a good, well-stocked farm system, as well as having a good Dominican presence, is vital for them.

KS_Steeler: Jerry, b/c I like you a lot, I'll give you a pass on my two items today. If Fleury lets in softies, he has to be pulled, there is not tomorrow, and Garon can fill in if he needs to. We can't let this get out of hand. You are right, DW isn't going anywhere, but, he will leave eventually, and it will be with no defining achievements. 9-4 with that schedule is nothing to brag about as an ex-NFL coach, I know it, you know it, DW knows it. That said, keep up the great work, I have my mom save the PG sports sections for when I visit/she visits; and I have the championship ones framed, so Sat Morning needs to match the recent Steeler covers!

Jerry Micco: Well, we can agree to disagree. I don't doubt if you ask Pitt folks as well as Wannstedt, they'd all say they can do better. But at least they made it back to winning ways from where they'd been under DW the first 3 years. And I just don't see him pulling Fleury. Doesn't make sense to me because despite the fact that he occasionally gives up softies, he still is their best goalie. And I'm glad your mom saves those sections for you. I hope you have always enjoyed them and will continue to do so.

theWellHungarian: This just popped into my head, if we win on Friday night, will our Mayor then be "Mayor Luke SteelerStaal?" or can you only change your last name once per year?

Jerry Micco: Let's hope you can only do that one time.

ajt123: I have read the newspapers of opposing teams habitually for many years. Through that sampling, it seems very apparent to me that Dejan is THE BEST beat writer in America, and should be next in line for the Hall of Fame award Molinari recently one... What is the criteria to qualify for that?

Jerry Micco: Part of it is excellence at what you do. Certainly on that front, Dejan qualifies. But longevity is part of it do. Doing excellent work over a number of years, which is what Dave Molinari has, and continues to do, with the Penguins. Thanks for the kind words about Dejan.

PirateApologist: Conn Smythe is going to Malkin, Osgood, or Zetterberg?

Jerry Micco: Probably Osgood if Friday's game is 2-0 or 1-0. Malkin will get it if the Penguins win. I'm going to say the latter happens.

PirateApologist: A chatter pointed out the irony in Dejan's chat on how there were so many people in the chat room after people claimed that they were "done" with the Pirates. At one point, I noticed there were 100 people in the room! No matter what, I still say that this is a pretty good baseball town.

Jerry Micco: It's a very good baseball town, but it's a shame those loyal fans can't be rewarded with excellent teams. If the Pirates ever get good and contend, you'll see sellouts at PNC on a fairly regular basis. Very good fans here.

Jerry Micco: Well folks, I need to get back to some other stuff. Thanks for taking the time to join me this week. Great questions as usual. I'll see you next Wednesday at noon, and we can discuss what when down in Detroit on Friday among other sports news. Have a good week and see you down the road.