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Q: Can we all now admit that Sergei Gonchar is our Big Ben on defense, and that Alex Goligoski and Kris Letang are clearly not yet ready to be handed his crown as king? It is not just a coincidence, both this year and last, that there is major difference in our record and offensive production when he is out of the lineup, compared to in it.

Gary Dilla, Phoenix

MOLINARI: While it's difficult to accurately measure the full impact of Gonchar's absence since he broke his wrist on Oct. 20 against St. Louis because so many other important players have been injured during that same period, there's no question that being without him has reminded any doubters about his value on the Penguins' defense.

That's true all over the ice, but nowhere is it more apparent than on the power play, where Gonchar is charged with keeping things flowing and where his knack for being able to consistently get the puck on goal is critical to the unit's productivity. Goligoski and/or Letang might well be able to fill that role as well as Gonchar does at some point in their careers, but for the moment, he has no equal on the Penguins for handling those duties.

Gonchar's future is the subject of considerable speculation because his contract expires after this season, and the Penguins probably won't have the salary-cap space (or the inclination) to give him a deal similar to the five-year, $25 million one that's in its final year.

If, however, Gonchar is willing to accept a reduced salary and fewer years in return for staying in a situation that looks to be a perfect fit for all concerned, there's no reason the Penguins shouldn't be willing to keep him around for at least a couple more winters.

Q: Do you know if the Pens have any plan to incorporate some sort of tribute to the Igloo at the new arena? Maybe a mini Civic Arena roof top on the marquee, or something? After 40-plus years of hockey, I hope to still have something to pass by on my way in to future games.

Chris, Gibsonia

MOLINARI: While some details about what will be included at the Consol Energy Center still haven't been finalized, there apparently is no plan for a tribute, per se, to the current arena.

However, team officials do intend to have elements of the team's history and legacy on display throughout the new building, and many, if not most, of the Penguins' finest moments -- with the obvious exception of their three Stanley Cup-clinching victories -- took place at the Civic/Mellon Arena, so the place certainly will be acknowledged, at least indirectly.

The idea of honoring the design of that distinctive roof in some downsized way is interesting, though. It was, by far, the most distinctive feature of the building where the franchise was born and, ultimately, thrived.

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