Ode to the Candyman

On a bright and sunny morning, when every sports writer in Pennsylvania is praising (or lamenting - based on his or her zip code) the remarkable efforts of netmider Marc-Andre Fleury, I will take another route and focus on one of the unsung heroes in the series.

Today's post is dedicated to the staunch presence of the Black and Gold clad blue line bully, Mr. Brooks Orpik. In the wise and often timely words of Penguins orator, Mike Lange, Mr. Orpik is just sending out checks like it's the first of the month. It's not often that the physical Flyers get outhit in a series, and it's even less frequent when their fan base and media guys admit to it, but the buzz on Broad Street these days is that the Pens are both the more talented and more physical team. For those that have watched any of this series, it all starts with #44, as his signature squashings have given the Penguins the moxy that they need to back their swagger.

Danny Briere enjoying a little candy.