Pens Points: SCF Game 2

Good morning one and all (I'm in Chicago so it's still technically morning),

It's the finals and even the outlets that don't traditionally pay attention to hockey have devoted some space to it. Several good reads from the NYT:

• What was at the core of Mike Sullivan's turnaround of the Penguins
• Pens rookies, tenderfoots on paper, skate like old hands
• Former NHL enforcer Stephen Peat faces a struggle just to care for himself

Matt Nieto looks to be the secret Sharks weapon to activate in game 2. [Fear the Fin]

I know I rag on this guy more than anyone, but even I have to admit Justin Schultz has done well so far. Keep it going and maybe I'll even get the jersey, who knows, the world is weird. [Times Online]

What happens when a generational talent is also the hardest-working man in hockey? You get Sidney Crosby. As an added bonus, we now know what Rick Tocchet actually does all day long. [NHL]

Despite many health scares and setbacks, even Sidney Crosby had to plead with people to get someone to kick Olli Maatta out of the weight room and get him to put stuff down. That kid. [Sports Illustrated]

This is probably the best thing you'll read in a while. Katie Baker wrote about two good guys, Joe Thornton and Phil Kessel, and the weight of the doubts. [The Ringer]

Post-season heartbreaks aren't all made equal. Ranking this year's disappointments, you gotta feel for the Caps about coming up short yet again. [Down Goes Brown]

Ken Hitchcock is back for one final season of trying to win the Cup with the Blues. For whatever reason, I thought this might have been the year they made the finals. [St. Louis Blues]

Five questions with Pens broadcasting legend Mike Lange. He's the man living the dream. [NHL]

How will the sad story of Kevin Stevens end? Vicious cycle of pain and addiction spiraling out of control, a Ray Shero-led intervention aided by Mario Lemieux fell through, and what is next on the long road ahead. [Boston Globe]