A mixed bag

Over at the Trib you can read up on the latest in talks between the Pens and Brooks Orpik. They are actively engaged in discussions to keep him in Pittsburgh. His agent would not say whether the Pens have presented a contract offer to Orpik but all indications are that the Pens will make a formal offer soon, if they have not already. He could command offers of around $4 million a year from other teams but is thought to be willing to give the Pens a hometown discount if they give him a long-term deal. You can read it all here.

You can read the NHL Notebook over at Post-Gazette here.

Lastly we're leaving you with the story of John Challis. Some of you have probably heard his story or of him. He's an 18 year old who found out in 2006 he had liver cancer. He's lived much longer than doctors suggested and has been spreading his wisdom wherever he can. He attended a Penguins game a little while back and last night attended the Pirates game and shared his words with the team. We can't imagine being in his position and still being able to be so strong. What he's done for people is amazing and everyone could learn a thing or two from him and his experiences. Here is the link to an article about his time at PNC Park, and here is the original story from the Post-Gazette. At the end of the first article is a link to his newly created foundation.

Instead of the random YouTube of the day, here is the direct link to the PG video of John at Game 2 of the playoffs against the Philadelphia Flyers meeting Mario Lemieux, Ben Roethlisberger and others.