Pens in Playoffs, The Pirates aren't going undefeated, and Jamie Dixon is Coach of the Year

The Penguins clinched at least the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference of the NHL playoffs with a 6-4 victory over Tampa Bay. Sidney Crosby had two goals, and Evgeni Malkin had two assists. The Pens are currently in sixth and would play the Devils in the first rounds if the standings hold. With two games left to play, the Pens trail Carolina by 2 points and Philadelphia by 2 points but the Flyers have three games left to play. Most likely, the Pens will end up facing either the Devils or the Flyers in the first round. Both are challenging opponents, but with the way the Pens are playing right now, I like their chances in what should be a very intriguing and exciting first round matchup.

After opening the season with a thrilling 6-4 ninth inning rally over St. Louis on Monday, the Pirates performed in a more typical fashion by falling 9-3 on Tuesday night. So much for the 173-0 season (I was going to make t-shirts), but nine teams are still keeping the dream alive. Anyway here are some quick early season observations on my Buccos, who are still on pace for 81-81: Nyjer Morgan is hitting, stealing, and scoring runs so far, and I guess that’s a good sign. Freddy Sanchez had a good couple of games too, and Jack Wilson had a clutch hit in the first game. Wonder if they will be traded anytime soon. Andy LaRoche sucks in the field. It has been 2 games, but come on he’s on pace for 243 errors. I miss Bay and Nady, but we will have to wait to see how last year’s big trades work out (but can we for once at least hit on half of the players we got?) That’s about it. It’s early. I’m glad that baseball’s here. I’m looking forward to nice weather, days at the ballpark, wishing the Outback was still at PNC Park, fireworks, bobbleheads, and trying to catch home runs. Maybe even some by the Pirates. At least once in while.

Jamie Dixon was named the Naismith Coach of the Year. It’s great to see him get the national recognition he deserves and without it being tied to some other coaching job. He has done an amazing job over the past six-years. As heart breaking as the ending was (the image may be forever burned into the psyches of the players, coaches, and fans), this was arguably the greatest season in Pitt basketball history. We all need to appreciate this season, and cherish the incredible memories. Hopefully, more to come on that later in the form of written and video tribute. For now, we wait to hear if DeJuan Blair is entering the draft, and hope for the future successes of all the departing Panthers. It is likely that we will be able to cheer on Blair and Sam Young on NBA draft day, and hopefully in the league in the years ahead. And know that we have a stellar coach to lead our future teams.