mailman152: Will the Penguins change the time of their Saturday game against the Panthers because of the Steeler playoff game Saturday night? The Panthers do not play the night before that Saturday game so a 1pm or 3pm start seems reasonable.

Shelly Anderson: The conflict was the first thing I thought of when I saw that the Steelers would have a home playoff game at the same time as the Penguins' home game Saturday against Florida. Unless there is some holdup with the league or the Panthers, I would think there's a good chance it will be moved earlier.

russdar66: do u see the pens getting a goalie or a Dman soon ? or anything else u have heard ???

Shelly Anderson: There's no indication that either of these moves are in the works, although that doesn't mean general manger Ray Shero isn't listening. Ty Conklin has been a surprise as the fill-in for injured starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, but it seems coach MIchel Therrien still has confidence in Dany Sabourin, and it would be difficult financially to bring in a goaltender for what could be about a month. As for defensemen, the Penguins are going with six for now. If there is a need for another, the best bet would be to recall Alain Nasreddine from Wilkes-Barre. The only prospect who might be close is Alex Goligoski, but that would be a risk for someone so inexperienced.

Reddenfan: Could Gary Roberts' broken leg be a career ending injury?

Shelly Anderson: It's probably premature to jump to that conclusion. We don't know yet whether he will need surgery, although early indications seemed to point against that. Gary Roberts might be 41, but he is a physical fitness fiend, and if anyone can come back from a broken fibula -- particulary if there are no pins, surgery, etc. -- it would be him. He was playing well before the injury, so it's certainly a blow to the team even for a short number of weeks.

Shelly Anderson: Happy New Year, everyone.

First Published: December 31, 2007, 8:30 p.m.