Pens Points: SCF Game 1

Good morning one and all,

May is about to turn into June and the Pens are still playing hockey. Not something we would have predicted back in December, when Mike Sullivan took over the team. But his combination of passion, accountability and resilience was key for the transformation we've witnessed. [Penguins]

Mike Sullivan played on the inaugural 1991-92 Sharks team and is remembered by former teammates as a high-knowledge and character guy who had all the makings of a future coach. [San Jose Mercury News]

In a supremely interesting twist, Mike Sullivan was both Joe Thornton's teammate and later head coach with the Boston Bruins. He learned many lessons and felt he overcoached Jumbo at the time, which he corrected in his next go-around while coaching Sidney Crosby. [ESPN]

Here is an excellent preview of matchups and other key facets in this series, including whether any Conn Smythe consideration should be given to Martin Jones and Matt Murray. [The Guardian]

Trevor Daley is done for the season, officially at least. The unlucky defenseman says he still, in his mind, isn't ruling himself out despite the odds. [PPG]

Every time Hockey Canada announces its team for some tournament and I see Marc-Edouard Vlasic's name over some more prominent defensemen I have to go look up his numbers and how to spell his name. Woe to me. The dude totally shut down Tarasenko, and next up will be Sid. [San Jose Mercury News]

Pens former defensive rock Paul Martin is back with his new team in Stanley Cup Final. Still missed and a great guy who couldn't have landed in a better spot. [PPG]

But will anyone watch this final? Some very damning numbers here. Despite being the highest-rated Pens-Lightning game 7 was the least watched conference finals game 7 since 2006, when the Hurricanes played the Sabres. Ouch. [Sports Media Watch]