In what's become a tradition inside National Hockey League dressing rooms, the centrepiece of the Pittsburgh dressing room inside Mellon Arena is a giant Penguins logo woven into the carpeting.

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The Pittsburgh Penguin's jerseys and equipment sit in the dressing room.

Photograph by : Getty Images

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Currently, its perimetre is surrounded by a phalanx of trash cans and an army of dressing room attendants who preach, "Don't step on the Penguin," whenever someone comes near it.

With the crush of media here covering the Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings, feet are constantly in close proximity of the logo.

What's puzzling about all this is that as the players doff their equipment, they fire their Penguins sweaters into said trash cans blocking access to the Penguins logo.

So it's alright to toss your sweater in the trash, but don't tread on the logo.

Also, as the Penguins take the ice, one of their rituals involves the players punching a Penguins logo. And it's a certainty that they don't avoid skating across the giant Penguins logo at centre ice during the game.

So what's the point of the ritual then?

Besides, here's a thought -- if you don't want people to step on it, don't put it on the floor.

OBSTRUCTION OBSESSION

It's time Pittsburgh coach Michel Therrien stopped talking about obstruction and sought help for his obsession.

Friday, Therrien turned a question regarding the effect of the home crowd into another rant about the Detroit Red Wings and their persistent obstruction.

"The last game, before the game I was complaining about the obstruction," Therrien said. "And for good reason. For good reason. I can't sit here and say there's no obstruction. I'm not going to lie. If there's obstruction, there's obstruction. If there's no obstruction, there's no obstruction.

"Not when I see about 13, 14 clips that I could tell there should be a penalty regarding the (rule) book."

The truth is, hockey people haven't mentioned the Wings and obstruction in the same sentence since Jacques Demers was fired by the club in 1990.

Those who've followed him behind the bench -- Bryan Murray, Scotty Bowman, Dave Lewis and current coach Mike Babcock -- put the emphasis on playing the game with skill and possessing the puck.

CROSBY CREDITS RAFALSKI

While Nicklas Lidstrom gets the Norris Trophy every year, Penguins captain Sidney Crosby figures people should save some accolades for Brian Rafalski, Lidstrom's partner in Detroit's top defensive pairing.

"He's a good puck moving defenceman," Crosby said. "He skates well. He's not the biggest guy, but I think he's smart and plays his position well.

"I think he probably makes up with his size with how well he plays his position and probably helps anybody he plays with to be that much more solid."

SYDOR PRAISES YOUNGSTERS

Penguins defenceman Darryl Sydor, who has played for Cup winners in Tampa Bay (2004) and Dallas (1999), has been impressed by the way captain Sidney Crosby has carried the leadership role for the team this spring.

"I think he's been outstanding, just as all of our young players have been," Sydor said. "Ryan Malone's stepped up as a leader, Brooks Orpik's stepped up as a leader.