Weekend Wake Up: Sid’s Super Setup, Wild West, More Jackson Mind Games

Clutch Crosby. It was Kris Letang who scored the game-winner for the Penguins on Friday night. But it was Sidney Crosby who tied the game with an earlier goal, Crosby whose derring-do with the puck set Letang up, and Crosby whose night saved Pittsburgh, writes Craig Custance.

Party Here on the West Side. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference’s side of the playoffs, chaos reigned. San Jose won a great game over Colorado in overtime, 6-5, with the teams alternating goals until Devin Setoguchi’s goal-mouth cleanup to tie the series at 1-1. The Red Wings evened their series, too, weathering some dizzying play in the second period to beat the Coyotes 7-4. And Nashville’s four-goal third period gave the Preds a surprising win over the Blackhawks and a 1-0 series lead.

Zen Mastery? No one expects Phil Jackson to be cordial, genial, and completely honest about opposing players, especially when it comes to playoff time. But Jackson yapping up a storm about Kevin Durant is a new low for the Zen Master’s insecurity -- or manipulation skills.

⇥Asked about Durant feeling disrespected, Jackson replied, “Whatever.“That’s just cold. In case you weren’t rooting for the Thunder to upset the mighty Lakers, Jackson will probably make it easier in the coming days by making fun of James Harden’s beard, referring to the Thunder as the Sonics, and openly wondering why Thabo Sefolosha isn’t living up to the Swiss stereotype of neutrality.↵