The Penguins lead the Buffalo Sabres by two games to one in the Eastern Conference semifinals, which resume tonight. Moose mania has even touched on the local watering holes. The Ruddy Duck, a pub a few blocks from Mellon Arena, has renamed itself the Ruddy Moose for the playoffs. Everyone wants something to be grateful for in the playoffs, and this time, it happens to be me. Even general manager Craig Patrick was seen in the press box with a fistful of antlers in his palm.
Nothing bothers the kid.
It's been weird. You don't see this in the playoffs. It's not like he's lucky. He's always in position. Patrick, long known for shrewd trades, seemed to have erred when he picked up Hedberg and defenseman Bobby Dollas from San Jose for Jeff Norton the day before the March 13 trade deadline.