In The Crease

Penguins co-owner Roger Marino is making enemies in Pittsburgh by refusing to pay retired legend Mario Lemieux the money he is owed (nearly $33 million on a seven-year guaranteed contract he signed in 1992). The franchise is already on shaky ground, and alienating Lemieux—he sued the team last week—and his legion of fans could be disastrous for the club. Look for commissioner Gary Bettman to get involved if this matter is not resolved shortly....

Marian Hossa , Ottawa 's first-round pick in 1997 and the NHL 's top prospect, tore his MCL in April, but the Senators are thrilled with his commitment to rehabilitation. Hossa skipped a recent awards banquet because it would have kept him from his daily therapy. If he heals properly, expect him to make the Senators' roster next season....

Sign of the times: At the draft one general manager said that he was negotiating a contract with an agent whose client had never played a pro game, yet the agent's demands were simple: a huge base salary, bonuses for winning various NHL awards and a clause ensuring that if a new award is created and his client wins it, he would get another substantial bonus....

Sharks coach Darryl Sutter was offered a four-year contract extension that would pay an average of $800,000 per season, but he declined, telling management he wanted only a two-year deal. The reason? Sutter , an honorable man, says the club should reevaluate his performance after two years to make sure the team is heading in the right direction.