Pens not ready to settle for a single win

PITTSBURGH — Five years ago Mike Babcock returned home with his Anaheim Ducks after being hammered in the opening two games of the Stanley Cup final.

The series would be a short one, it was said. The New Jersey Devils were in a different league. Sound familiar?

Malkin’s upgraded play lifts Pens

PITTSBURGH — Finally, three games into the Stanley Cup final, the Detroit Red Wings experienced what Sidney Crosby is all about and what he means to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Perhaps just as importantly to the Penguins, Detroit also saw what Evgeni Malkin can be, even if his name didn’t make it onto the scoresheet and his image didn’t show up on the post-game highlights.

Bourdon received licence 14 days ago

SHIPPAGAN, N.B. — The sudden death of Luc Bourdon, a rising star in the NHL, has left residents of this remote corner of northern New Brunswick stunned by the loss of a hometown hero who was both an inspiration and ambassador for the province’s fiercely proud Acadian community.

Leafs coaching search heating up

It is believed the team would like the position filled well before the June 20th NHL Entry Draft.

On Thursday, Fletcher met with soon-to-be unrestricted free agent captain Mats Sundin and his agent J.P. Barry in order to help the Leafs establish a time frame on Sundin’s intentions to play next season.

Sundin collects first Messier leader award

“The truest test of leadership comes during periods of adversity,? said Messier. “When presented with difficult times during the season, Mats Sundin remained committed to his teammates, his community and to the game of hockey. I am honored to present the Mark Messier Leadership Award to Mats Sundin. He understands the importance of his status in Toronto and his dedication to his community is unmatched. The strength of his character makes Mats a tremendous role model both on and off the ice.?

The Rock ready to celebrate with Cleary

HARBOUR GRACE, N.L. — In the sixth grade, Daniel Michael Cleary wrote a short story about a “real, big tough guy from Detroit.”

The handwritten tale about standing up to bullies, kept as a memento by his elementary school language teacher, concludes, “Moral: never be afraid.”

Stars sign Daley for three more years

FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Stars have locked up one of their best young players.

The NHL team announced Wednesday that it re-signed defenceman Trevor Daley to a US$6.9-million, three-year contract. He earned $800,000 last year.

NHL’s dream Final a dud so far

So far, it’s been a one-sided dud, with Detroit delivering two dominating and defensive-driven victories and the Penguins delivering … well, mostly empty promises and some late-game punches that illustrate the growing frustration of a good young team that is playing badly.

NHL ready to resize goalie equipment

DETROIT — Goalie equipment will keep shrinking if NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has his way.

In his annual state-of-the-sport news conference prior to Game 1 of the championship series on Saturday night, Bettman said he expects greater progress will be made now that the NHL Players’ Association in-house problems appear to have been remedied. The association’s assent is needed for major equipment alterations.

Kirke surprised by Leaf search coverage

TORONTO — More than seven weeks have passed since the Toronto Maple Leafs last played a hockey game, but there’s barely been a day when the team hasn’t found itself in the news in Canada’s largest media market.