Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that veteran Pittsburgh defenseman Darryl Sydor will make his first post-season appearance in tonight's Stanley Cup Final Game 3 against the Detroit Red Wings. The move comes at the expense of rookie Kris Letang. The 36-year-old defenseman appeared in 74 games for the Penguins this past season, posting 13 points in the process. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, he spent most of his time on the ice with Ryan Whitney.
He has played 151 playoff games and been to the Finals four times over the course of his career. He won a Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999 and again with Tampa Bay in 2004.
The fact that Sydor has not played since March 31st is probably a concern for Penguins fans, but he sounds ready. He told the Macomb Daily's Bruce MacLeod,
"Yah, I've got butterflies and I'll have them tonight. That's when you know your time is done when you're not nervous any more. It's a good nervousness. I'm excited to be back and helping out."Sydor's insertion into the lineup will certainly give the Penguins a boost in the experience department.
To refresh your memory, Letang was the Penguin victimized by Detroit's Valtteri Filppula in Game 2 as the latter got behind the young defenseman and scored a highlight reel goal (video) in the third period.
