BigTuna: Was it me or did it look like the Rangers were dropping like flies last night each time somebody so much as put their stick close to them? Looks like they were trying to hustle the referees into some calls.

Jerry Micco: I think once you get into the playoffs, you're going to get some of that. I think both teams try to work the officials if they think that will give them some sort of edge. In the playoffs, you tend to work officials more, ramp up the speed a bit and lie about injuries. All of that is part of gamesmanship and, you hope, will give your team that little boost.

James_Taipei: What Pengins player's play have you been most impressed with in this year's playoffs?

Jerry Micco: No question, for me, it's Malkin. It carried over from the regular season just how great a player he is. I've always thought he was such a great goal scorer, and he is, but he's playing well both ways and he's the most dangerous guy on the ice. Marc-Andre Fleury deserves some high praise, too.

James_Taipei: Any predictions on when the Penguins will lose their first playoff game?

Jerry Micco: Boy, that's a tough one. I'd not be surprised to see them drop a game on Thursday. I've got to believe the Rangers have one great game in them and that at some point, the Pens will be a little flat. But as well as the team has played, making a prediction on when they'll lose seems a bit like a reach.

James_Taipei: What are your predictions for the Stanley Cup finals?

Jerry Micco: I'll stick with Detroit and Pittsburgh. Dallas has played really well, but Detroit is big and fast. If that indeed is the finals, it should be a great one.

michaelg127: Type here Ron Cook had a nice column on Jarko Ruutu last week. It helped me understand why he's such a fan favorite. Here's hoping the Penguins can re-sign him. If he does re-up and the team can't keep Marian Hossa, I suggest the Pens trade for Nashville's Jordin Tootoo and pair him with Jarko. The fans would love cheering for Ruutu and Tootoo.

Jerry Micco: And if the Sharks wanted to rid themselves of Jonathan Cheechoo, you'd have the Cheechoo-Tootoo-Ruutu line. Now that's one for the ages.

Max_in_Shaler: Gotta like Mendenhall and Sweed, but doesn't anybody wonder why these guys were available?

Jerry Micco: That's a great top of the draft for the Steelers, no question in my mind. I can only think on Mendenhall that people liked Jonathan Stewart's size a bit more and his numbers were a bit better over three years. But everyone agreed Mendenhall was a first-rounder. Most folks thought a middle of the first pick. When Dallas grabbed Felix Jones, the Steelers lucked out. As for Sweed, not a great draft for receivers, at least game-breakers. And some folks wondered how Sweed would come back from his wrist injury. The Steelers hope he's back all the way.

Max_in_Shaler: In order to believe Mendenhall and Sweed are the greatest thing since the forward pass, don't we have to believe that the Steelers' doctors and scouts are smarter than the rest of the NFL?

Jerry Micco: Well, a lot of folks has both of those guys as first-round picks. I mean, those certainly aren't reaches by the Steelers. Now picking the sixth-best offensive tackle at No. 23 would have been a reach.

theWellHungarian: through 7 playoff games, who has been the MVP, Geno or MAF?

Jerry Micco: I'm a big Malkin fan, so my vote goes to him.

YeOldeBuccoFan: With all objectivity and wthout homerism, a.) does Sidney take dives?, and b.) is anybody in the East stopping the Penguins? I'm not accusing you of homerism; just in the case of you suggesting Penn State's Justin King as a first rounder!)

Jerry Micco: Did I suggest King was a first-rounder? Our own Ed Bouchette did in his mock draft, but I thought King was a second-rounder myself. Surprised he fell as far as he did. Anyway, I think Crosby, like a lot of players, tries to embellish a bit if he thinks he can get a call. Any great player worth his salt does that. Does he dive? No, not the classic dive where the guy isn't even touched and he goes flying. As for the East, I think the Penguins are the best team in the conference. Doesn't mean they'll win it, but I think on paper, they are the best team.

theWellHungarian: if Malkin was fluent in English & was a bit more charismatic, would the NHL being marketing this guy as the "Best Player in the World" and the "Face of the NHL?" I just don't see how anyone could say that he isn't the best player in the world ... Thoughts?

Jerry Micco: The English thing holds him back. My understanding is he's really likeable and personable. And is the team jokester. But his English is not good, as you all know. Yes, I would not argue that Malkin is certainly one of the best players in the world. Right now he's playing that way, too. As for Sid, who is the face of the league, don't underestimate how that ankle might be holding him back a bit.

Max_in_Shaler: If Talbot can't skate, who would take his place?

Jerry Micco: I'd think Gary Roberts, who is healthy. Adam Hall could center that line with Laraque and Roberts.

PGHINVA: Nice to have skills players fall into the Steelers lap but I can't be the only one who realizes they can't exhibit those skills without the beef up front.. I thought Pro Football Weekly's grade of C- was a bit harsh but closer to the truth than all the A's and B's I saw given to the Steelers' draft.

Jerry Micco: I disagree totally with anything below a B. First of all, this draft was deep in tackles, period. Not guards or centers. Now if you have the No. 23 pick and you can take a RB like Mendenhall, you have to take him. Five tackles and the one good guard were already off the board, so now you're reaching. As for D-Line, I think if they could have had a good one in round 3, you take him, but from what was left on the board, none of those guys are difference makers. So you take Woodley's and Harrison's backup there. We'll see how deep the lines go as we go through camp. And you can always pick up a guy late if you need help.

Max_in_Shaler: Mike Lange might work for free in the penguins had that line

Jerry Micco: I think he'd have some fun with it.

Jerry: How did you rate the Steelers' draft?

Jerry Micco: I gave them a solid B. Mendenhall and Sweed project to be very good players and starters at some point in their early careers. I think you'll see Mendenhall get 10-15 carries as the season rolls along. It'll save Willie Parker's wear and tear. And Sweed should be the No. 3 WR. That's all projection mind you. And I'm curious to see how they use Dennis Dixon. He may just spend the year holding a clipboard and recuperating from his knee injury, but before he was hurt, he was a Heisman contender. And they did take one tackle, big Tony Hills of Texas. We'll see how he looks in camp.

YeOldeBuccoFan: Have you ever seen a trio of 19-20-21 year olds in the professional ranks of any sport with as much talent and poise as Staal-Crosby-Malkin?

Jerry Micco: And at one point, Staal was the favorite among Pens fans to be traded. Amazing how when a guy finds his niche and does it well, everyone loves him. These guys, unlike past athletes, are under pressure for most of their young careers. They grow up being the best and constantly play top compeition, from pee wee to juniors. So they are pretty seasoned even for the NHL. And don't forget guys like Fleury and LeTang, who are young stars in their own rights.

Chunkles: Jerry, did Tomlin and Colbert share the same roles this year, concerning draft decisions, as last year? Last year was terrible. this year was great. I loved that they didnt reach for lineman, even though they needed them, and took two skilled players who may be able to mask an average "O" line. Also taking Davis in the third round tells me they are worried about Timmons.

Jerry Micco: I think because Tomlin's had a year here he might have been more involved. And we can't say last year was a bust because we don't know in a couple years if these guys will be good or not. As for Timmons, he's being moved inside, so Davis fills a need. I'd like to see Timmons healthy before I pronounce him a bust. And it appears Woodley will be a pretty productive player, as will William Gay, the CB. To me, the real grade of the draft is three years down the road.

SteelyMcbeany: What happened to local college standout, Bruce Hocker, out of Duquesne University. There was an article about him going to the zoo because he didn't want to hear his name, well, I watched the draft and didn't hear it either...did he sign as an udfa?

Jerry Micco: I've not heard that he's signed yet. But he still could. If he does, we'll certainly have something in the paper about it. And on the Web, too.

Iron_Sheik: Best part about last night's win -- no more Stegey and Errey until October. Thank you VS and NBC.

Jerry Micco: Well, not to dis Steigy and Errey, but I believe if there are games 6 and 7, FSN has those games. Not that anyone expects that, but you never know. You still have to win four to move on.

Max_in_Shaler: Ron Cook writes about Hoosa, and he scores a goal. Ron should write more!

Jerry Micco: I think Hossa owes him a slice of that salary for the pep talk. Or pep column, however you want to look at it.

theWellHungarian: Pirate beat writes gotta be a little jealous up in NYC of the Pens beat writers, eh?

Jerry Micco: I'm sure Dejan is watching the Pens progress, being an old Pens beat guy. But he's got his hands full with the Pirates and all their goings on.

JRoss23: My initial thoughts were that I wanted to play Philadelphia, but as the playoffs go on I think I may rather play Montreal. Their goaltender Pirce has not been playing too well lately and the Flyers are hot, particularly Biron. Who do you think we better match up against right now?

Jerry Micco: I'd think Montreal, but offensively, they are scary. Very skilled and deep like the Pens with an excellent power play. But, you are right about Price. He's young and it's starting to show. The Flyers aren't nearly as good, I don't think, but they are riding a hot goalie and they are taking the body a lot. And you can't discount either as that series moves forward.

jimmy_g: I didn't think it could happen, but the Pirates seem to have actually gotten worse. It has become for me, a lifelong fan, to become even interested in their games. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: Well, I have to keep an eye on as much as I can so I do, but with the Pens run and the Pirates being at 10-16, I think I know where most of Pittsburgh's fans' hearts are. The Pirates just can't seem to get it all together at any one time. Last night they hit early homers off Santana, but Snell puts together a poor start. Nothing seems to hit all at once for them and that's a talent problem. Really good players are consistent.

jimmy_g: It seems like the Steelers really rolled the dice in the draft by all but ignoring their need for linemen. What are your thoughts?

Jerry Micco: As I said earlier, I don't agree with folks who are saying that. A reach for a lineman, and it would have been a reach, would not have been wise. Taking a talented RB and a big WR were no-brainers for me.

PGHINVA: How are line changes made in the NHL? I'm assuming the coach calls out the line but I've seen lines jump on the ice and the coach is not saying a word.. How is the change communicated consistently?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure having never played organized hockey. Sometimes, though, I think the coach taps the centerman on the shoulder and when his linemates see him go, they follow.

theWellHungarian: I think you are right .. Roberts - Hall - Laraque .... I'd hate to be the opposing team

Jerry Micco: Pretty tough fourth line. I'd not want to be the guys who have to get banged on by that group for 45 seconds per shift. Ugh.

JRoss23: Who would the Penguins match up better against, Montreal or Philly?

Jerry Micco: I think right now, Montreal.

Art_Vandelay: Why does Mark Madden dislike the P-G so much? Is most of what he does on the radio just a schtick or is he actually like that in person?

Jerry Micco: I don't really listen to Mark's show because I'm at work. Hey, folks can agree or disagree with what we do. We're fair game. As long as it's not personal. I don't know Mark that well personally, so I can't say what he's like in person. I've seen him at events and he's pleasant enough to say "hello" to.

Rico_Fata: Does anyone besides Lanny Frattare still care about the Pirates? I know I don't.

Jerry Micco: Attendance would say that interest is fading. It's going to take consistent winning to really make people notice. The Steelers won a Super Bowl a couple years back. The Pens are making a run for the Cup. The Pirates likely are headed for a 16th consecutive losing season. Makes it tough to keep people interested.

Iron_Sheik: Did Adam LaRoche break the MLB record yet for most guys left on base? It seems like he strikes out at least twice a game with the bases loaded.

Jerry Micco: He does struggle early and it's a lot like last season. I know he's a slow starter, but those starts are hurting the club. It's not like Russell has a lot of options there, but it's certainly a hole in the lineup. And Sanchez's slow start hasn't helped, either.

Art_Vandelay: Any update on Sean Avery? I hate to say it but my first thought was that it wasn't due to natural causes.

Jerry Micco: For those of you who don't know, Avery was taken to a hospital early this morning and has a lacerated spleen. Reports say he wasn't breathing when admitted. But that's the latest story I've seen on the wire. The NY Daily News is reporting this.

PGHINVA: I'd like to see the PG do a story on the Pens farmhands. What keeps them motivated when they know with all the young talent on the big club now, it could be years before they get to the NHL for good.

Jerry Micco: Well, if they are caught streaking in front of a cop and charged with public drunkenness, it'll take even longer to get here. I'm referencing our story today. At one time, I think the PG, before I was here, did a lot on the farmhands because that's where the talent was. No so much anymore, but there certainly are still stories there.

PhillyMarty: In the past, Steelers have addressed looming needs at positions like CB, LB and WR by drafting no less than a No. 2 and usually grabbed several guys. I like you don't have a problem with this years #1 and #2. But that seems to be a "micro" view. If you step back, the team has lost All Pros at C and OT 2 years running, and other than perhaps some questionable FA signings like Mahan (jury still out on this year's signing), have not gone any hiigher than a #3 for the line. The line has been the bedrock of our smash mouth style for 40 years. Dare I suggest that we are now evolving away from smashmouth football. I recognize the cornerstone that Ben is, at the very least there is a poor foundation protecting him, even if we are not going to run it much.

Jerry Micco: I think if you go high in the draft for a lineman, it has to be a Faneca-like player. When I look at their past high line picks, besides Faneca, they are up and down. Kendall Simmons was a first rounder. Eh, OK. Marvel Smith was a second-rounder. Great value. Max Starks a third-rounder. Jury still out. It could be that they just don't see good OL's in high spots. Of course, I always love to pick a corner in every draft. If I were looking at one thing this draft lacked, it was a corner. And one thing about the O-line -- there are always free agents to be had there. I'm not saying this line will get better, but we'll see how Hartwig goes and if Kemoeatu is as good as hyped by the O-line coach. And if Colon can move inside to allow Starks to play. I don't disagree, there are still a lot of ifs there, but I'm not sure the draft could have resolved those issues.

JRoss23: The Flower is one of my favorite players on the team and his play lately is just amazing. Where would you rate Fleury amongst all goaltenders in the NHL?

Jerry Micco: He's probably a rung below the top level guys. I'm basing that on his play since he's been in the league. He's improving greatly and likely will get to the top rung in a year or two if he keeps improving, but he's closing fast.

PGHINVA: Two Steelers questions: Over/under on games Big Ben misses with a questionable line protecting him? AND: With no Steelers from the dynasty era getting their jerseys retired, is it safe to assume we won't see another jersey retired in our lifetimes?

Jerry Micco: I didn't think the Steelers retired jerseys. They just don't give out certain numbers. I'd say Ben, because he's very physical and likes to run, will likely miss a game or two. Can the line be worse than last year? I know Faneca's gone, but you've got to think Hartwig is an upgrade at center. I think this is a wait-and-see unit.

Juno_Beach: Is there any chance the Steelers can get Anthony McFarland. I think they need to get some cash from the team somehow and sign this guy to help us play some D????

Jerry Micco: I think they had him and he flunked the physical. Maybe someone can help me on this, but I believe that's what happened.

Rico_Fata: With Van Halen in town, Sammy or DLR?

Jerry Micco: DLR. But I don't know how a talented, gifted guitarist like EVH can surround himself with those guys.

Max_in_Shaler: I've seen lots written about the Steelers needs and lack of depth on both lines, but nothing even hinting that Colbert, the architect of this years miracle draft, might bear any responsibility for the Steelers being so thin and vulnerable to just one key injury on either line. whadda think?

Jerry Micco: Well, certainly Colbert is in the crosshairs if these drafts don't pan out. But again, you have to see how some of these guys do. Is Kemoeatu ready to start? Is Starks Smith's replacement at LT eventually? Can Colon move inside and start? Is Mahan better at guard and as a backup? Is Trai Essex ready to compete? Lots of questions and if the lines fall apart, a lot of it will be directed at Colbert.

jimmy_g: Follow-up on the Steelers draft: I agree with the drafting of skill players, but my concern is with the depth on both lines. The loss of a key player, e.g. Aaron Smith last year and the need to replace Alam Faneca are very serious issues.

Jerry Micco: You weren't going to replace Faneca with any player in this draft, unless you could get Jake Long. And he's a tackle. Branden Alberts, the only good guard, projects to tackle, too. You have to, at some point, hope the guys you on the team will step up. You need young guys to do that. Look at Colon. He's a starter in year two. Will he get better? And they did draft a big tackle with their fourth pick. I'm more concerned about the d-line. The starters look fine if Smith is OK, and Hoke is a solid backup. But you're right, not a lot of depth there. Again, will there be a pickup in late camp off the waiver wire? Other ways to get players besides the draft.

Max_in_Shaler: Who decides what the columnists write on? For example, Collier is in NY, and Smizik is trying to get some accountability from the pirates

Jerry Micco: The columnists generally pick their topics. Occasionally I'll ask one of them to write something, but that's very rare. I work with them on game assignments and I assigned Gene to travel with the Pens this round, at least.

Rico_Fata: Dan Connor in the 3rd round? That's highway robbery for Carolina.

Jerry Micco: I think so, too.

Jerry: I think Steigy is good and Errey is great! The guy doesn't miss anything and he knows so much about hockey and does a great job of breaking things down. What's not to like?

Jerry Micco: The other side heard from.

PhillyMarty: You make a good point about the health of Crosby. Second year in a row, too. Perhaps his size and nature of style will prevent him from being the next great one everyone is projecting. So let him be Francis and Malkin can play Mario in the sequel. And maybe the sequel for once can be better, ie more than two Cups. And you are right, Letang is a bidding star and Malone perhaps another Stevens. This could be fun for a long time. Toughest job belongs to Shero keeping them together.

Jerry Micco: You have it pretty right, Marty. This is going to be tough to hold together in the cap era, but Shero so far has done a terrific job. And they are pretty far under the cap, so there's room to grow. I think Crosby can only play one way and that will take its toll on him. But I never count that guy out. He may be a Francis, my favorite Penguin by the way, but he'll score even more. Malkin is a tremendous player with all the skills. I'd like to see him add about 15 pounds of muscle, but otherwise, and in whatever roles, these two may bring more than 2 cups to Pittsburgh.

theWellHungarian: Ruptured spleen is what they are saying up here in NYC

Jerry Micco: Ruptured or lacerated. Either way, that's scary stuff.

Scotty_Smith: With the way Fleury has played this season, will the Pens go into next season with John Curry as their backup

Jerry Micco: Hey, I'm sure Conklin would love to stay and play in 20 games next year. Maybe he sees that's not a bad gig especially if you have a chance to get your name on the Cup.

PhillyMarty: Don't know the first thing about how it happened, but dare I say Avery got what every Devils' fan thinks he deserved.

Jerry Micco: Gee, I hope they aren't that insensitive.

Iron_Sheik: How much have the bloggers changed the sports media landscape? As someone in my early 30s I can say with certainty that practically everyone in my age group reads deadspin and mondesishouse before they pick up a newspaper. Kudos to you for bringing us more online content, like these chats and q&a's.

Jerry Micco: I think it's a choice readers make. Do you believe what certain blogs post and do you trust that it's correct? Some are better than others. We have a different standard, so we approach things differently. I think bloggers have their place and it just expands the choices for people. But newspapers will rely on good journalistic practices and their wealth of experience to bring news to readers -- on many different platforms (paper, web, etc). We're glad people still read us in the numbers they do. If you took circulation AND Web hits, people probably see the PG more than ever.

Max_in_Shaler: Avery has lacerated spleen, and is expected to recover completely it is now being reported

Jerry Micco: That's good news. He's a pain, but you never want to wish bad things like that on anyone.

Art_Vandelay: Can the Clemens story get any worse?

Jerry Micco: He continues to drop like the Coyote off a cliff.

Scotty_Smith: How likely is it that the Pens re-sign Hossa and if not, who could potenitally replace him on Sid's wing, either in-house or free agency wise?

Jerry Micco: I'm sure they'd like to sign him, but I think that's going to be difficult. I think what you might see is them go after another scorer for less money and play him with Sid. Dupuis seems to be comfortable there. I think they see value in Malone now and they are going to have to give Malkin top money. So keeping Hossa, I think, will be tough.

Art_Vandelay: I think the OL woes are overrated. Better receivers (Sweed) and a quicker release can solve a lot of problems, not to mention a talented, banging RB (Mendenhall). The New England line is so good partly because Brady gets rid of the ball so fast.

Jerry Micco: I agree with most of that. But the o-line is still, as I said, a wait-and-see proposition. A lot of guys have to step up big time.

Jerry Micco: Folks I need to run to get at a couple things on my desk. Excellent chat today. Just excellent. Nice big group and interesting discussions from your questions. I enjoyed it! See you next Wednesday at noon. By then the Pens could be ready to play their next round and the Pirates, well, we'll see. And the Steelers get a look at the rookies this weekend. See you next time.