BREATHE EASY AGAIN

The Yinzers can breathe easy again because the Penguins are back on the winning track. Their masterpiece in Philly was just what they needed. Give credit to the Pens, who were thoroughly outplayed early, for hanging in there and then turning in a dominating performance. Matt Murray, who has been known to rebound after a loss, was brilliant. So was the supporting cast. The Pens have the home ice advantage again and are right where they need to be after getting smoked at home in Game Two. No one saw that coming. But that’s hockey. Now it’s two more wins and the Pens move on,
• I laugh when I hear those horrible Philly fans taunt Sidney Crosby. You would think they had learned their lesson by now. Crosby has thrived in Philadelphia, especially when the Flyers’ fans chant his name followed by something I won’t write here. Sid responded with a four-point game, his latest gem in the so-called City of Brotherly Love. I enjoy seeing Crosby produce in the playoffs. I love it when he does it to the Flyers and their terribly behaved fans.
• The Penguins’ 7-0 win against the Flyers in the series opener was as impressive a game as you’ll ever see. I’d rank it right up there with the 8-0 victory the Pens recorded against the Minnesota North Stars to capture the team’s first Stanley Cup in 1991. There have been a lot of memorable games during the Penguins’ run to five Stanley Cups. This one is a game they’ll talk about for years.
• It’s not often that you see a hockey player bat a puck out of the air for a goal. Sidney Crosby has made it an art form this season. His latest highlight reel goal in Game One against the Flyers was another goal that left us shaking our heads. I hope the fans in Pittsburgh realize how special Sidney Crosby is. He’s a once in a generation talent.
• I still don’t think the Pirates are a great team, but if you look at the standings the Buccos are 11-4 and in first place in the NL Central. Who saw that coming? I also like how the Pirates are playing on the road. They went into Chicago and Miami and won each series. That’s pretty impressive.
• Jameson Taillon threw another gem over the weekend against the Marlins. This kid has the making of a bonafide star. If Taillon can stay healthy, and that’s been the problem in his young career, he will not only be the Pirates’ ace. He could also be one of the top pitchers in baseball.
• You also have to like the start by Gregory Polanco. He’s not hitting for average, but Polanco is finally starting to show the power that everyone thought he had. He has already hit five homers and knocked in fifteen runs. I’ve said all along that there’s no excuse for Polanco not to hit thirty homers a year. Hopefully he’s on his way to doing just that.
• Thank goodness the NFL Draft is almost here. I’m tired of seeing the hundreds of mock drafts out there, some downright ridiculous. I’ve probably seen at least 10-15 different names when it comes to the Steelers’ first round selection. I’m sure the Steelers will stay true to their board and take the top ranked prospect when they pick at 28. My guess is they would love to have one of the top rated inside linebackers there when they choose, but who knows if that will happen. Despite all the speculation, I doubt the Steelers will take a quarterback or running back in the first round. I just don’t see that happening.
• I fully expect the Steelers to choose at least one inside linebacker, and perhaps two. They might even go for an outside linebacker. Don’t be surprised if the Steelers also take a safety and perhaps a cornerback. The Steelers’ offensive line is solid, but they aren’t getting any younger. A selection here would be wise. The Steelers always take a wide receiver, so expect that sometime during the three day draft. They’ll probably even look at another running back. I don’t look for the Steelers to move up in the draft. The cost is usually too high to do so and the Steelers don’t have the picks to make that happen.
• IUP ends spring practice with its spring game this Friday night. By all accounts it’s been a good one for the Crimson Hawks. This team is still loaded and will again be one of the top ranked squads in the country when they tee it up next September. Jack Benedict will call the spring game on U92.5 if you can’t make it out to Miller Stadium.