In Bloom
By John Mehno

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal are obviously three big reasons why the Penguins engineered such a stunning turnaround.

But the biggest reason is goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. He grew up this year, became more consistent and gave the Penguins a chance to win almost every night. When Fleury let in a bad goal, he didn't let it distract him and lead to a total meltdown. That happened too often in previous seasons. Fleury would mope over a bad goal, and a game would quickly get out of hand. But he developed some confidence and has played much better.

Don't underestimate the full-time presence of Gilles Meloche, who counseled him on a daily basis. They not only had French in common, they also had the secret language that only goaltenders speak. Hard to believe the Penguins didn't always have a steady coaching mentor to protect their considerable investment in Fleury.

In other matters:

o Crosby's deft and patient handling of the inevitable media swarm makes you wonder if a mad scientist planted the brain of a middle-aged man in a teenager's body. Yes, Crosby had some PR tutoring before he ever came to the Penguins, but it's still up to him to apply those lessons. His sense of responsibility is even more amazing when you consider that Mario Lemieux was still running away from questions after he had 10 years in the league. o You have the feeling that Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm would love to have Alan Faneca in Arizona next season. You also have the feeling Faneca would like to finish out his NFL career feeling comfortable working for his old coaches.

o It's nice that the Pirates have stockpiled all the young arms, but it would have been nicer if they had been able to mix in a few bats over the years. The organization hasn't developed an impact hitter since Aramis Ramirez.

o Isn't it great that the Penguins got such a sweet arena deal? Nice to know that billionaire Ron Burkle won't have to tap into his savings to make huge profits from the new building.

o Andy Lee stayed with the San Francisco 49ers after they matched the Steelers' contract offer of $7.1 million with a $1.66 million signing bonus. Lee is a punter. You're old if you remember when punters and kickers also played a regular position to earn their roster spot.

o Bill Cowher spoke to a group of coaches in Tennessee last month and talked about his temporary departure from the profession. He said he wasn't missing it yet, but that March was kind of a dead time anyway since the Steelers didn't sign free agents. How soon he forgot the Kent Graham era.

John Mehno has been covering Pittsburgh sports since 1974 and can be reached at: johnmehno at lycos.com.