The prestigious Post-Gazette Fabulous 5 all-star basketball teams come out Sunday, as well as the all-WPIAL, all-City League and all-section teams.

But the sports writers all-state teams were released today, and the WPIAL has a heavy representation, especially with the players of the year.

Twenty-six players from the WPIAL - 13 boys and 13 girls - made the all-state teams. Two City League players - one boy and one girl - also were selected. Four WPIAL boys made first-team all-state and six WPIAL girls.

What is most impressive, though, is that of the eight players of the year, six were from the WPIAL, including all four girls players of the year. 

The four WPIAL girls who received player of the year awards are Fox Chapel's Erin Mathias, Blackhawk's Chassidy Omogrosso, Seton-LaSalle's Naje Gibson and Vincentian's Brenna Wise. Seton-LaSalle had three girls make all-state. Besides Gibson, the others were Cassidy Walsh and Yacine Diop.

The two WPIAL boys who were selected player of the year were Hampton's Ryan Luther and Lincoln Park's Maverick Rowan. You can bet New Castle faithful aren't happy that Malik Hooker didn't get player of the year after leading New Castle to a perfect record. And New Castle beat Hampton four times.

New Castle, Seton-LaSalle and Lincoln Park all had two players make all-state. For New Castle, it was Malik Hooker and Anthony Richards. For Seton-LaSalle, it was Dale Clancy and Levi Masua. For Lincoln Park, it was Rowan and Elijah Minnie.

Here are the all-state teams:

BOYS

CLASS AAAA 

FIRST TEAM

Sal Biasi, Hazleton, 5-11, sr, 26.7 ppg

Mikal Bridges, Great Valley, 6-7, sr, 18.5 ppg

Malik Hooker, New Castle, 6-1, sr, 21.8 ppg

Rashann London, Roman Catholic, 6-2, sr, 14.6 ppg

Ryan Luther, Hampton, 6-8, sr, 22.1 ppg

Isaiah Washington, Williamsport, 6-3, sr, 21.6 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Levan “Shawn” Alston, Haverford School, 6-3, jr, 16.5 ppg

Sammy Foreman, Martin Luther King, 5-11, jr, 13.8 ppg

Shep Garner, Roman Catholic, 6-1, sr, 12.3 ppg

Mahir Johnson, Chester, 6-2, sr, 18.8 ppg

Jahaad Proctor, Harrisburg, 6-2, jr, 21.5 ppg

Anthony Richards, New Castle, 5-8, sr, 13.0 ppg

Tyrell Sturdivant, Chester, 6-8, sr, 15.7 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Christopher Bing, Philadelphia Central, 6-5, sr, 18.9 ppg

Chris Clover, St. Joseph’s Prep, 6-3, jr, 21.9 ppg

Kason Harrell, Hempfield (D-7), 6-2, jr, 23.9 ppg

Matty Harris, Cathedral Prep, 6-2, sr, 20.4 ppg

Cameron Jones, Pennsbury, 6-1, jr, 17.8 ppg

D.J. Porter, Obama Academy, 6-5, sr, 22.4 ppg

Lamar Stevens, Haverford School, 6-6, so, 15.1 ppg

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ryan Luther, Hampton (pictured)

COACH OF THE YEAR: Ralph Blundo, New Castle

CLASS AAA

FIRST TEAM

Muhammad Ali Abdur-Rahkman, Allentown Central Catholic, 6-4, sr, 23.5 ppg

Nana Foulland, Berks Catholic, 6-9, sr, 20.5 ppg

Derrick Jones, Archbishop Carroll, 6-6, jr, 15.9 ppg

Nehemiah “Bud” Mack, Susquehanna Twp., 6-0, so, 17.8 ppg

Ja’Quan Newton, Neumann-Goretti, 6-3, sr, 21.6 ppg

J.C. Show, Abington Heights, 6-3, sr, 17.7 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Ernest Aflakpui, Archbishop Carroll, 6-9, jr, 10.4 ppg

Milik Gantz, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-3, jr, 12.3 ppg

Dyllon Hudson-Emory, Harrisburg Bishop McDevitt, 6-6, sr, 19.8 ppg

Lamarr “Fresh” Kimble, Neumann-Goretti, 5-10 jr, 11.4 ppg

Tyrell Long, Philadelphia Bishop McDevitt, 6-5, sr, 21.5 ppg

Matty McConnell, Chartiers Valley, 6-0, jr, 21.8 ppg

Pat Smith, Archbishop Wood, 6-5, sr, 17.0 ppp

THIRD TEAM

Troy Harper, Neumann-Goretti, 6-3, sr, 12.2 ppg

Sean Lloyd, Imhotep Charter, 6-4, sr, 10.9 ppg

Gabe Mack, Susquehanna Twp., 5-10, sr, 10.9 ppg

Evan Maxwell, Abington Heights, 6-10, sr, 11.1 ppg

Sean O’Brien, Penn Charter, 6-2, sr, 18.5 ppg

James Suber, Philadelphia Electrical, 6-6, sr, 11.5 ppg

Austin Tilghman, Archbishop Carroll, 6-1, sr, 10.2 ppg

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ja’Quan Newton, Neumann-Goretti

COACH OF THE YEAR: Vince Rogers, Susquehanna Twp.

CLASS AA

FIRST TEAM

Dominick Antonelli, Trinity, 6-1, sr, 16.4 ppg

Dale Clancy, Seton-LaSalle, 5-9, sr, 15.6 ppg

Ahmad Gilbert, Constitution, 6-6, jr, 15.7 ppg

Jared Nickens, Westtown, 6-6, sr, 14.6 ppg

Tyriek Steward, Wilkes-Barre Meyers, 6-2, sr, 17.0 ppg

Kimar Williams, Constitution, 6-1, jr, 12.2 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Brian Graytok, Greensburg Central Catholic, 6-1, sr, 17.5 ppg

Tim Guers, Germantown Academy, 6-3, jr, 16.9 ppg

Omar Little, Loyalsock, 6-0, jr, 16.2 ppg

Levi Masua, Seton-LaSalle, 6-5, sr, 10.8 ppg

Tannor Reed, Notre Dame-Green Pond, 6-2, sr, 22.6 ppg

Trey Staunch, West Middlesex, 6-3, jr, 21.8 ppg

Nemo Trexler, Bishop McCort, 6-5, sr, 19.7 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Connor Callejas, Holy Cross, 5-8, sr, 18.3 ppg

Kyle Datres, Loyalsock, 6-0, jr, 9.4 ppg

Brandon Gripp, Tyrone, 6-1, sr, 24.5 ppg

Jonathan Lawton, Friends Central, 6-1, jr, 23.7 ppg

Nick Lorenz, East Juniata, 6-1, sr, 24.6 ppg

Georgios Papagiannis, Westtown, 7-1, jr, 13.3 ppg

Josh Trumpy, Trinity, 6-6, 19.4 ppg

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ahmad Gilbert, Constitution

COACH OF THE YEAR: Robert Moore, Constitution

CLASS A

FIRST TEAM

Samir Doughty, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-4, jr, 17.3 ppg

Alize Johnson, St. John Neumann, 6-5, sr, 24.3 ppg

Terry Larrier, Phelps, 6-8, sr, 21.0 ppg

Elijah Minnie, Lincoln Park Charter, 6-9, sr, 15.8 ppg

Maverick Rowan, Lincoln Park Charter, 6-7, so, 24.3 ppg

Mike Watkins, Math, Civics & Sciences, 6-9, sr, 11.0 ppg

SECOND TEAM

Aondofa Anyam, Church Farm, 5-10, sr, 16.4 ppg

Cameron Grumley, Johnsonburg, 5-9, sr, 21.5 ppg

Cameron Johnson, Our Lady of Sacred Heart, 6-6, sr, 27.8 ppg

Brandon Martinazzi, Bishop Carroll, 5-9, jr, 20.1 ppg

Nick Miller, Western Beaver, 6-2, sr, 30.1 ppg

Montrel Morgan, New Hope Academy, 6-2, so, 19.1 ppg

Cole Peterson, Johnsonburg, 5-10, sr, 20.7 ppg

THIRD TEAM

Marcus Lee, Bishop Carroll, 6-6, sr 15.6 ppg

Dylan Mahmod, Mahanoy Area, 6-1, sr, 13.5 ppg

Eric Marbury, Pius X, 5-11 jr, 17.8 ppg

Dom Robb, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, 6-7, sr, 18.0 ppg

Valentine Sangoyami, Erie First Christian, 6-11, sr, 12.8 ppg

Ryan Wolf, Vincentian, 5-9, jr, 25.3 ppg

Anthony Wright-Downing, Sankofa Freedom, 6-2, sr, 25.1 ppg

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Maverick Rowan, Lincoln Park Charter (pictured)

COACH OF THE YEAR: Mark Javens, Lincoln Park Charter 

GIRLS

CLASS AAAA

First team

Jackie Benitez, Poncono Mountain West, 5-9, Jr., 23.3

Aminah “Mia” Farmer, Cardinal O’Hara, 5-9, Sr., 17.0

Kelly Jekot, Cumberland Valley, 5-11, So., 14.4

Alex Louin, Mount St. Joseph’s, 6-0, Sr., 17.0

Erin Mathias, Fox Chapel, 6-3, Sr., 16.5

Nicole Munger, Central Bucks West, 5-9, Jr., 15.5

Sammy Stipa, Spring-Ford, 5-5, Sr., 13.6

Second team

Cecily Carl, Mechanicsburg, 6-3, Jr., 16.3

Adashia Franklyn, Bayard Rustin, 6-1, Sr., 14.8

Alayah Hall, Dover, 5-7, Sr., 17.7

Kyla Irwin, State College, 6-1, So., 19.8

Maria Palarino, Penn-Trafford, 5-10, Jr., 18.3

Maddie Torresin, Cumberland Valley, 6-1, Sr., 15.4

Third team

Sajanna Bethea, Pennsbury, 6-0, Sr., 16.8

Carly Brew, Wilson (West Lawn), 5-11, Sr., 13.5

Sierra Fordham, Allderdice, 5-5, Sr., 22.9

Darby Lee, Altoona, 6-1, Sr., 16.2

Ashley Jones, Cheltenham, 5-7, Fr., 21.9

Avery Marz, Wilson (West Lawn), 5-7, Sr., 12.6

Vicky Tumasz, North Penn, 5-6, Sr., 15.0

Player of the year -- Erin Mathias, Fox Chapel (pictured)

Coach of the year -- Bill Wolf, Cumberland Valley

CLASS AAA

First team

Nikki Arbanas, Hickory, 5-7, Sr., 19.6

Tricia Byrne, Scranton Prep, 5-7, Sr., 15.8

Alexis Lewis, Holy Redeemer, 5-9, Jr., 27.0

Alyssa Monaghan, Bonner-Prendergast, 5-7, Jr., 17.5

Chassidy Omogrosso, Blackhawk, 5-5, Jr., 21.6

Megan Smith, West Perry, 6-0, Sr., 20.7

Kalista Walters, Bethlehem Catholic, 6-0, Jr., 21.2

Second team

Seairra Barrett, Central Valley, 6-0, Sr., 24.5

Cami Boehner, Gettysburg, 5-7, Sr., 21.9

Quieterriua Gross, Meyers, 5-11, Sr., 22.3

Amber Renz, Danville, 6-0, So., 21.5

Carly Richardson, Palmyra, 5-11, Sr., 10.0

Angelina Starr, Franklin, 5-9, Sr., 21.3

Halie Torris, South Park, 5-11, Sr., 16.4

Third team

Aubree Brown, Archbishop Wood, 6-0, Jr., 8.1

Bailey Greenberg, Archbishop Wood, 5-11, So., 10.0

Madeline McDonald, Southern Lehigh, 5-11, Sr., 16.7

Allison McGrath, South Park, 5-10, So., 17.2

Maddie Ritsick, Crestwood, 5-11, So., 18.7

Chelsea Woods, Freire Charter, 6-0, Sr., 32.6

Player of the year -- Chassidy Omogrosso, Blackhawk (pictured)

Coach of the year -- Steve Lodovico, Blackhawk 

CLASS AA

First team

Sydney Bordonaro, Burrell, 5-7, Jr., 16.1

Ciana Cryor, Neumann-Goretti, 5-5, Jr., 12.5

Megan Eripret, Salisbury, 6-3, Jr., 22.5

Naje Gibson, Seton-LaSalle, 6-0, Sr., 11.1

Sianna Martin, Neumann-Goretti, 5-8, Jr., 12.2

Cassidy Walsh, Seton-LaSalle, 5-9, Jr., 11.1

Sammie Weiss, McGuffey, 5-11, Jr., 23.4

Second team

Ella Awojobo, Neumann-Goretti, 6-0, Sr., 7.9

Maddie Comly, Delone Catholic, 5-7, Jr., 18.5

Yacine Diop, Seton-LaSalle, 5-10, Sr., 14.0

Becky Evans, Pine Grove, 5-3, Sr., 21.6

Lori Horton, Williamson, 6-3, Sr., 16.5

Reighly Melochick, Minersville, 5-7, Sr., 19.8

Emily Merryman, Cranberry, 5-5, Sr., 26.7

Third team

Carolyn Appleby, Greensburg Central Catholic, 5-5, Jr., 20.7

LeAnn Gibson, Karns City, 5-9, So., 16.4

Brooke Hinderliter, Redbank Valley, 5-8, So., 19.8

Margaret Anne Hubbell, Germantown Academy, 5-10, Sr., 17.9

Chelsey Koren, Blairsville, 5-11, Jr., 20.8

Mariah Maciejewski, Dunmore, 5-10, Jr., 12.3

Steph Shamburg, Warrior Run, 6-0, Sr., 15.5

Player of the year -- Naje Gibson, Seton-LaSalle (pictured)

Coach of the year -- Spencer Stefko, Seton-LaSalle 

CLASS A

First team

Tamesha “Sox” Alexander, Shipley, 5-6, Sr., 9.2

Lauren Carey, Old Forge, 5-7, Sr., 13.2

Macey Hollenshead, Southern Fulton, 5-6, Sr., 17.0

Maria Morgan, Bucktail, 5-7, Jr., 27.5

Megan Trenholm, St. John Neumann, 5-7, Sr., 17.4

Brenna Wise, Vincentian, 6-1, Jr., 19.5

Second team

Lili Benzel, Bishop Guilfoyle, 5-8, Fr., 18.6

Angelica Bertola, Notre Dame (East Stroudsburg), 5-4, Sr., 22.7

Madi Bower, Millville, 5-11, Jr., 25.4

Madison Johnson, Keystone, 5-9, Jr., 16.9

Becca Lathrop, Port Allegany, 5-9, Sr., 16.4

Emma Spinelli, Shade, 5-2, So., 22.4

Third team

Jana Goodman, Phil-Mont Christian, 6-1, Sr., 16.8

Keyen Green, Phil-Mont Christian, 6-1, So., 13.7

Mallory Heinle, St. Joseph’s (Pittsburgh), 6-1, Sr., 23.6

Taylor Hood, Kennedy Catholic, 5-5, Sr., 12.2

Olivia McCabe, Portage, 6-1, Sr., 14.5

Bronwyne Mellott, McConnellsburg, 5-10, Fr., 22.2

Maci Thornton, Clarion, 5-5, Jr., 15.6

Player of the year -- Brenna Wise, Vincentian (pictured)

Coach of the year -- Ron Moncrief, Vincentian

If spring has you in the mood for boutique shopping, you're in luck. In this week's Setting the SEEN Natalie Bencivenga and I talk about a new pop-up shop on Walnut St. specializing in luxe loungewear. Natalie also highlights some of the weekend's hot events, and I give a glimpse at a debut bridal event on Sunday on the North Side.

For the whole scoop check out the video below -- and have a great weekend!

A prosecutor played nine surveillance video clips at a preliminary hearing today for Allen Wade, the man accused of killing two sisters in East Liberty.

One key clip hit the chopping room floor before we posted the videos on post-gazette.com, in part because the quality of the video made it hard to discern what was happening.

The video was taken from a Midas shop on Whitfield Street, not far from where Sarah Wolfe's lime green car was found parked after the killings.

It's in black and white and a large white bar runs through parts of it. That's common when stores use older security systems that back their feeds up to tape, rather than electronically.

Police said the video shows a person removing a pair of pants. That will prove crucial as the prosecution attempts to connect videos of a person wearing gray sweatpants and a red shirt using Susan and Sarah Wolfe's bank cards to video that police said depicts Allen Wade, 43, of East Liberty, buying cigarettes at a Sunoco station. Police recovered a pen with the word "Iowa State Prison" on it from a trash can at the gas station.

The video from the Midas store was taken not far from a spot where police said they found a pair of gray sweatpants. The probability that DNA samples taken from the waistband and a blood stain found on those pants match someone other than Wade is one in several quintillion, according to a report read in court.

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UPDATE: Well just a few minutes after I finished typing this up, Pitt's Twitter account came out with the news that James Conner (left knee sprain) and Isaac Bennett (left shoulder sprain) will both miss the rest of spring practice. It's not great that those guys will miss the final five practices, but "sprain" is better than "torn" or "ruptured," and both are expected to return for summer conditioning beginning in May.

That leaves Rachid Ibrahim as the only healthy running back for the rest of spring, but I expect we'll see some other creative options back there, too.

---------------

No use wasting time, let's just jump right into today's practice notes...

- The biggest news of Friday's practice came when running back James Conner had to leave the field with a left knee injury. Conner was ridden out of bounds in a full-contact team drill by Titus Howard and went down on the track surrounding the field in Pitt's indoor facility. He stayed down for a while before walking over to the trainer's table to get iced up. A few minutes later, he was leaving on a golf cart with an ice pack on his left knee.
Fortunately, I passed Conner as I was leaving the football facility tonight and he said "everything's good." He looked to be walking fine (if with a slight limp). I wouldn't be surprised if Conner is held out or at least limited for a few days, but it appears that the worst-case scenario of a serious leg injury was avoided here.

- Just a few plays after Conner got hurt, Isaac Bennett also went down with a left shoulder injury. It didn't appear to be serious, and Bennett didn't have to leave practice. He did sit out the rest of the session, though, which left Rachid Ibrahim as the only running back. To give him a break, Ronald Jones also saw some time in the backfield. Barring calamitous injuries this season (especially with freshmen coming in) it's unlikely we'll ever see Jones there in a game, but now we know what the emergency running back plan is.

- Linebacker Reggie Green sat out today's practice with an injury, leaving Pitt pretty depleted at the Sam linebacker position. Anthony Gonzalez stayed with the first team, obviously, but walk-on Nico Elms saw most of the second-team reps today with Bam Bradley also still out.

- Tyrique Jarrett saw quite a few first-team reps today, and definitely looked like he belonged in that group.
"I think he came into spring practice with a great attitude," Pitt coach Paul Chryst said. "He's been working hard and working on his body. I think that's important. He went through spring drills last year, so he knew what to expect. He's gotten more reps than he did last year, and I think he's taking advantage of that opportunity. I like the way Tyrique is working hard."
Defensive line is a position where it's important not to really look at first team or second team, but rather just how many guys Pitt has that will be able to contribute this year. Darryl Render and KK Mosley-Smith are in that group, and if Jarrett works his way in there too, then that's a good thing for Pitt. The Panthers aren't going to replace Aaron Donald with one guy, and the more guys they have that can rotate in and stay fresh, the better.

- Pitt scrimmaged for most of practice today with officials present. It was some situational work and some general scrimmaging.
First, they did goal-line drills from the 3-yard line. Of the five series they ran in this situation, only one took more than one play to get a touchdown. Bennett scored twice, Conner scored twice (this was before both got hurt), and Pitt converted once on a pass from Chad Voytik to JP Holtz and Voytik was falling back.

- In red zone drills, the Panthers capped off their first drive by converting 3rd-and-14 from the 24-yard line on a screen pass from Voytik to Bennett for a touchdown. Conner banged home the second drive with a one-yard touchdown run.

- Wide receiver Manasseh Garner was back in practice Friday after missing Thursday with an "excused absence."

Penguins

-The Penguins' penalty kill hasn't been all that sharp as of late.

-The Penguins recalled forward Andrew Ebbett (above) from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. In seven NHL games this season, he has one assist.

-With some downtime yesterday, Sidney Crosby took up some lacrosse:

Goalie?! Go figure. Sidney Crosby laxin' it up at @XcelEnergyCtr before @Minnesota_Swarm game with @penguins in town. pic.twitter.com/v6Tqa1roCU

— NLL (@NLL) April 4, 2014

-Peter Mannino made 17 saves for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 3-0 shutout of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Brenden Mikkelson recorded two assists for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

-Highlights:

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-Christaan Minella had a goal and an assist for the Wheeling Nailers in a 4-1 win against the Evansville IceMen. Mike Condon made 24 saves for Wheeling.

-After the Jump: Former Penguins prospect Kenny Agostino gets his first NHL goal.

A preview of the Wild.

When and where: 8 p.m. EDT. Xcel Energy Center.

TV: Root Sports, Fox Sports Northwest.

Record: 39-26-12, 90 points. The Wild is in fourth place in the Central Division.

Leading Scorer: Jason Pominville, 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists).

Last Game: 3-2 road shootout loss to the Blackhawks, Thursday. Ilya Bryzgalov (right) made 24 save for the Wild.

Last Game against the Penguins: 5-2 road loss, Dec. 19, 2013. Niklas Backstrom made 31 saves for the Wild.

Wild Player We Would Bet Money On Scoring: Mikko Koivu (right). He had a six-game scoring streak snapped Thursday.

Ex-Penguins on the Wild: Matt Cooke, LW; John Curry, goaltender; Chuck Fletcher, assistant coach; Matt Moulson, LW (Moulson is a former Penguins draft pick but never played for the organization); Mike Rupp, LW; Darryl Sydor, assistant coach; Mike Yeo, head coach.

Ex-Wild on the Penguins: Pascal Dupuis, RW; Andrew Ebbett, C.

Useless Wild Trivia Vaguely Related to the Penguins: Rupp is one of two former Penguins players who have worn No. 27 for the Wild. The other is center Nathan Smith.

Best Wild Video We Could Find: Wild center Brian Rolston using a slap shot on a penalty shot against Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo in 2006-07:

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Probable goaltenders: Jeff Zatkoff (12-5-1, 2.58 GAA, .915 SV%) for the Penguins. Ilya Brygzgalov (9-8-8, 2.76 GAA, .909 SV%) for the Wild.

Injuries: For the Penguins, centers Marcel Goc ("lower body"), Evgeni Malkin (foot), Joe Vitale ("upper body") and left winger Jussi Jokinen ("upper body") are out. Right wingers Chris Conner (foot), Pascal Dupuis (knee), defenseman Kris Letang (stroke) and goaltender Tomas Vokoun (blood clots) are on injured reserve. For the Wild, goaltender Nicklas Backstrom (core), Darcy Kuemper ("upper body"), defensemen Keith Ballard ("lower body"), Clayton Stoner ("lower body") and center Mikael Grandlund ("upper body") are doubtful. Goaltender Josh Harding (multiple sclerosis) and left winger Jason Zucker (left quadriceps) are on injured reserve.

Potential lines and defensive pairings: The Penguins did not have formal line rushes today. Consider this a guess at their lines and defensive pairings:

14 Chris Kunitz - 87 Sidney Crosby - 19 Beau Bennett
49 Brian Gibbons - 25 Andrew Ebbett - 18 James Neal
17 Taylor Pyatt - 16 Brandon Sutter - 22 Lee Stempniak
15 Tanner Glass - 27 Craig Adams - 59 Jayson Megna

3 Olli Maatta - 2 Matt Niskanen
44 Brook Orpik - 7 Paul Martin
41 Robert Bortuzzo - 4 Rob Scuderi

The Wild's lines and defensive pairings at today's morning skate were:

11 Zach Parise - 9 Mikko Koivu - 3 Charlie Coyle
26 Matt Moulson - 56 Erik Haula - 29 Jason Pominville
24 Matt Cooke - 21 Kyle Brodziak - 14 Justin Fontaine
19 Stephane Veilleux - 8 Cody McCormick - 22 Nino Niederreiter

20 Ryan Suter - 46 Jared Spurgeon
25 Jonas Brodin - 39 Nate Prosser
6 Marco Scandella - 7 Jonathan Blum

Notes:

-The last time the Penguins played the Wild, this happened:

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-The Bruins clinched first place in the Eastern Conference this afternoon. The Penguins are locked into second place.

-Adams has 99 career assists.

-Parise has 499 career points.

-Our live blog, direct from our couch, begins at approximately 7:45 p.m. Please tune in.

(Photo: Paul Battaglia/Associated Press)

After an underwhelming effort in a 4-1 home loss to the Coyotes March 26, the Penguins held a players-only meeting. When asked about the purpose of the meeting, Brooks Orpik said, "There was a lot of negativity outside the locker room. We just trying to make sure it didn't creep in."

Despite being in first place in the Metropolitan Division by a wide margin since the early stages of the season, the Penguins have been the subject of scorn for a variety of reasons including:

-A combination of four consecutive playoff runs without a Stanley Cup win.
-A fourth-place finish by a United States team with a handful of Penguins personnel including Orpik.
-A rout at the hands of the Blackhawks in a snowy outdoor game on national television which included Orpik being beaten one-on-one by Chicago star Jonathan Toews for a goal.
-A lukewarm 10-9-2 record since the Olympic break.

Individually, Orpik has been target of much of that criticism. Whether it's been in regards to high-profile hits which have injured opponents or for his level of play this season, Orpik has been a lightning rod.

Recently, Orpik talked about that criticism directed at the team as well as him and his play this season.

You talked about the negativity directed at the team. You are aware of it but how much do you pay attention to it?

"I think guys are aware of it. I think a lot of they younger guys are big Twitter guys so they’re caught up in it more than older guys. I think you learn as you get older, you’re focus has to be on stuff you control. I know at home, we’ve been struggling. We heard some boos at the end of the Phoenix game, the [Los Angles] game. That’s never fun at home. We talked about it. We talked about staying positive. Guys are working hard. Guys are really committed here. Everybody wants to win. It’s not like we didn’t have guys on board. Things just weren’t going our way. If you look at Chicago, Chicago’s one of the best teams in the league and they’re really struggling right now. Whether it’s injuries or fatigue, there’s ups and downs. You’ve got to learn to deal with that stuff. I think we just wanted to make sure stuff wasn’t creeping into the room. I’ll be honest, nobody [outside the team] knows what goes on our room. You can try to guess what’s going on in our room, try to guess what’s going on with our team. But nobody really knows. It’s all speculation. You just try to avoid that stuff, come in and work hard. We know if we work hard, we have enough talent here that we will turn things around."

(Note: This interview was held before Chicago's current three-game winning streak.)

Is it strange to be in first place in the Metropolitan Division by a considerable margin but to still have so much criticism directed at the team?

"It’s good and bad. It keeps you motivated. Whether or not some of that’s justified or not, you can’t really worry about it. Every year, we have that meeting with [general manager Ray Shero] the first day of training camp where he says the goal is to win the Stanley Cup. There’s always a lot of pressure on you as a player. Some guys deal with it better than other guys. Ultimately every year, you’re judged by how you do in the postseason. I don’t even remember what our record was or how many points we had when we won the Stanley Cup. Nor did it matter. People remember how you play in the postseason."

A great deal of that criticism has been directed at you individually. How much attention do you pay to it?

"I haven’t heard any criticism directed my way. I don’t know. You just try to do the best you can. There’s ups and downs every season whether it be injury-related or confidence-related. It happens every season. We’re in first place. There’s always got to be something to complain about. Maybe it’s not sunny enough in Pittsburgh. (Laughs.) You've got to be negative. I think we’ve got a group that gets along really well. Some guys, I think when you realize when a teammate is going through a rough patch, guys do a good job of helping those guys out and getting them through it. Everybody in the room goes through it. Maybe some guys more than other people. As long as your bosses are happy, that’s all that matters."

How do you assess your season?

"That’s probably better answered by coaches or management. I can only comment on where my work ethic is and commitment level. I think that’s always the same. You’re going to have some slumps, some ups and downs. In terms of evaluation, I don’t know. I don’t think I necessary evaluate myself. I know when I’m playing well, not playing well. I think defensemen and goalies get scrutinized a bit more, especially goalies. I know the last couple of years, people were all over [Marc-Andre Fleury]. If you look at the chances we were giving up on him versus the chances Tuukka Rask would see in Boston, [Rask] would see ones of those chances every five games. [Fleury] might see fives of those in one game. I don’t know how to answer that question to be honest. There’s a lot of so-called experts that do that for a living. I don’t pay too much attention to it. But I know when my game is going well and it’s not going well. I don’t need other people to tell me that. The coaches know that I know when I’m doing well and not doing well."

Rob Scuderi said it took him some time to fully recover from his ankle injury. Did it take you any time to fully recover from your concussion you suffered Dec. 7?

"I think in hindsight, I probably came back way too quick from it. I felt a lot of pressure because of the Olympics coming up. Looking back on it, it was probably not the smartest thing with a brain injury. It’s something you go through and you learn from it. In terms of reaction, you can pass all those baseline tests and stuff like that. I know for a while, it just kind of seemed like the play was going too quick. A step behind. That’s something you’ve got to be smart about. I probably didn’t take the smartest approach to it but you learn from it."

You and the other Olympians on the roster have had several days off from practice since returning from Sochi. How have you managed yourself physically after this season compared to 2010?

"Well in 2010, I had a sports hernia. I was really managing that. I didn’t practice at all trying to manage that. That happened like in November of that [season] so I was really struggling with that. This year, it’s more managing injuries and just managing energy levels. I think sleep and diet is the biggest thing. I think sometimes if you’re younger, you don’t know how to handle that as well. I think I’ve gotten more educated about diet and sleep habits as well. I’m better off for it now. The coaches have asked me how I feel energy-wise. It’s different for different guys. Energy-wise, I’ve felt great. It’s been more managing injuries for me. It hasn’t been fatigue."

(Photo: Elsa/Getty Images)

Jack White will bring his solo band to Pittsburgh for the first time on July 27 for a show at Stage AE Outdoors.

Tickets ($45) go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The singer-songwriter-guitarist has played here several times as a member of the White Stripes and The Raconteurs, but did not stop here on the tour supporting his highly acclaimed 2012 solo debut, "Blunderbuss." That tour featured two different bands -- one all male (The Buzzards) and one all female (The Peacocks) -- that varied from night to night.

The Detroit native, now in based in Nashville where he runs his own label, "Third Man Records," will release his second solo album, "Lazaretto." on June 10. Last week he announced that he will attempt to set a Guinness world record for "the world's fastest-released record" by recording and releasing the album's title track on the same day.

Benjamin Booker opens on the Pittsburgh date.

          A tradition unlike any other … the Fabulous 5.

OK, so part of that first line goes with a famous golf tournament at this time of year. But the Post-Gazette’s Fabulous 5 all-star teams also have a spring tradition that goes back more than three decades.

The 2014 boys and girls Fabulous 5 teams came out Sunday. Check out the videos that go along with the stories. The Fab 5s are picked by the P-G scholastic sports staff and take into consideration all WPIAL and City League teams.

For more than 20 years now, we try to take a group picture with some kind of fun theme and headline. We have used everything from firetrucks, classrooms and limousines to greyhounds and hospital emergency rooms (headline of “Smooth Operators”) to take Fab 5 pictures.

You can look back at the old Fab 5 teams below. I have kept many of the newspapers from old Fab 5 teams, but not all. What I can gather from old clippings and some microfilm, the Fab 5 started in 1979, a little before I started at the P-G. There were all-star teams picked by the P-G before 1979, but it seemed they were not given the Fab 5 name.

I have found that people like looking at old teams and famous players, prompting lines of “oh yeah, I remember that guy now.” Personally, I get a kick out of some of the old Fab 5 pictures. I have been on hand for most of the photo shoots (just shows how long I’ve been doing this). Heck, I remember going to Mount Washington with Sean Miller 27 years ago.  This year’s photo shoot was maybe the most unforgettable. Nine people, including four Fabulous 5 members, myself and some parents, got stuck on the elevator at the Post-Gazette for a while. And Maverick Rowan’s mom said she was claustrophobic.

 New Castle’s Malik Hooker wasn’t on the elevator. To add to the story, he mistakenly went to a small Post-Gazette office in Cranberry. Ooops, we’re in downtown, Malik.

Anyway, here is a look at the old Post-Gazette Fabulous 5s for boys and girls (we could not find a few of the old girls Fabulous 5s) and also some of the pictures. The 2007 boys Fabulous 5 turned out to be quite a group. 

BOYS

2014 - Malik Hooker, New Castle; Ryan Luther, Hampton; D.J. Porter, Obama Academy; Maverick Rowan, Lincoln Park; Kason Harrell, Hempfield

2013 - Ryan Luther, Hampton; Malik Hooker, New Castle; Elijah Cottrill, Beaver Falls; Shawn Anderson, New Castle; Devin Wilson, Montour.

2012 - Sheldon Jeter, Beaver Falls; Micah Mason, Highlands; Nolan Cressler, Plum; Nate Snodgrass, Butler; Geno Thorpe, Shaler.

2011 - Micah Mason, Highlands; Anthony Dallier, North Allegheny; Jesse Reed, Greensburg Central Catholic; Devon Cottrell, Gateway; Sheldon Jeter, Beaver Falls.

2010 - (pictured) Bill Luther, Hampton; Nate Perry, Hempfield; T.J. McConnell, Chartiers Valley; Evan Pierce, Mt. Lebanon; Tom Droney, Sewickley Academy.

2009 - T.J. McConnell, Chartiers Valley; Nick Novak, Franklin Regional; Chris Klimchock, Greensburg Salem; Jeff Yunetz, Latrobe; Tom Droney, Sewickley Academy.

2008 - Terrelle Pryor, Jeannette; Deandre Kane, Schenley; Quentin Harding, McKeesport; Brian Walsh, Moon; Antoine Childs, Blackhawk.

2007 - DeJuan Blair, Schenley; D.J. Kennedy, Schenley; Herb Pope, Aliquippa; Terrelle Pryor, Jeannette; Jonathan Baldwin, Aliquippa. Maybe the most famous Fab 5 ever? Certainly one for the ages. All are pros. Blair is still in the NBA, Kennedy had a brief stint in the NBA, Pryor and Baldwin are in the NFL and Pope played professionally overseas. They are holding suitcases with a headline "Going Places." How true.

2006 - Herb Pope, Aliquippa; DeJuan Blair, Schenley; D.J. Kennedy, Schenley; Steve McNees, Shenango; Lance Jeter, Beaver Falls.

2005 - (pictured) Lance Jeter, Beaver Falls; Sean Lee, Upper St. Clair; Ben McCauley, Yough; Geoff Kestler, Mt. Lebanon; DeJuan Blair, Schenley.

2004 - Darrelle Revis, Aliquippa; Akida McLain, Penn Hills; Ben McCauley, Yough; Adam DiMichele, Sto-Rox; James Hairston, Connellsville.

2003 - Ryan Evanochko, Blackhawk; Darrelle Revis, Aliquippa; Adam DiMichele, Sto-Rox; James Hairston, Connellsville; Byron Knight, Penn Hills.

2002 - Ryan Evanochko, Blackhawk; Terrance Vaughns, Uniontown; Bobby Franklin, Plum; Bryant McAllister, West Mifflin; Joey Tutchstone, Kiski Area.

2001 - Daren Tielsch, Montour; Bryant McAllister, West Mifflin; Brandon Fuss-Cheatham, Blackhawk; Jack Higgins, Schenley; Allan MacQuarrie, Pine-Richland.

2000 - Brandon Fuss-Cheatham, Blackhawk; Drew Schifino, Penn Hills; Yuri Demetris, Shaler; Jon Pawlak, Highlands; Josh Lay, Aliquippa.

1999 - Brandon Fuss Cheatham, Blackhawk; Mike Phenizee, Peabody; David Young, New Castle; Drew Schifino, Penn Hills; Desmond Whetzel, New Castle.

1998 – David Young, New Castle; Mike Colbert, Chartiers Valley; Aaron Epps, Butler; Dave Freeman, Vincentian; Ricky Richburg, Westinghouse.

1997  - Archie Miller, Blackhawk; Courtney Wallace, Perry; Brian Carroll, Schenley; Aaron Lovelace, Franklin Regional; Isaiah Stewart, Chartiers Valley.

1996 – (pictured) Aaron Lovelace, Franklin Regional; Steve Menifee, McKeesport; Chris Kirkland, Sto-Rox; Jim Cantamessa, Blackhawk; Archie Miller, Blackhawk

1995 – (pictured) Pete Sauer, Shady Side Academy; Kevin Covert, Neshannock; Vince Coppola, Seton-LaSalle; Monty Latimer, Sto-Rox; Vince Graham, Belle Vernon.

1994 – (pictured) Pete Sauer, Shady Side Academy; Kevin Price, Duquesne; Shawn Bellis, Butler; Vince Graham, Belle Vernon; Dan Fortson, Shaler.

1993 - Tom Pipkins, Valley; Nick Bosnic, Laurel Highlands; Kevin Price, Duquesne; Tino Hunter, Shaler; Mike Keyes, Woodland Hills.

1992 - (pictured) Terry O'Shea, Carlynton; Dante Calabria, Blackhawk; Tom Pipkins, Valley; Derrick Scott, Duquesne; Peca Arsic, Penn-Trafford.

1991 – Dante Calabria, Blackhawk; Will Macon, Perry; Gabe Jackson, New Brighton; Malik Hightower, Perry; Bruce Patterson, Langley.

1990 – Will Macon, Perry; Yancey Taylor, Ringgold; Norbert Valis, Hampton; Jermaine Morgan, Jeannette; Keith Crosby, Carrick.

1989 – Kevin Salvadori, Seton-LaSalle; Myron Walker, Aliquippa; Chris Pipkin, New Brighton; Jeff Gaca, Quaker Valley; Jon Walker, New Brighton.

1988 - Jim McCoy, Central Catholic; Keith Tower, Moon; William Herndon, Allderdice; Gravelle Craig, Farrell; Mark Gilbert, Aliquippa

1987 - Sean Miller, Blackhawk; Mike Yoest, North Hills; Darelle Porter, Perry; Joe Nethen, Shaler; Dan Aloi, Ellwood City.

1986 - Sean Miller, Blackhawk; Major Harris, Brashear; John Rasp, Norwin; Tony Petraraca, Kiski Area; Pete Freeman, Rochester.

1985 -(pictured) Brian Shanahan, Hampton; Shawn Roberts, Farrell; Neal Fenton, Latrobe; Greg Martucci, Springdale; Bill Vernau, Brentwood.

1984 – Marvin Woods, Aliquippa; Tyrone Howard, Westinghouse; Marvin Bailey, Lawrenceville Catholic; John Robinson, Peabody; Collins Dobbs, Allderdice.

1983 – Mark Beavers, Sto-Rox; Marlon Ferguson, Center; Bill Leonard, McKeesport; Ron Stevenson, Langley; Dean Kartsonas, Shady Side Academy.

1982 – Rick Suder, Center; Joe David, Upper St. Clair; Lloyd Moore, Clairton; Mike Masley, Boyle; Jack Mansell Sharon.

1981 – Ron Rowan, Beaver Falls; Pat Farrell, Central Catholic; Lloyd Moore, Clairton; Ken Simril, Belle Vernon; Earl Minor Uniontown

1980 – Frank Dobbs, Allderdice; Marc Marotta, Central Catholic; Hal Bentley, New Brighton; Cleveland Bibbens, Brashear; Dwight Collins, Beaver Falls.

1979 – Cleveland Bibbens, South Hills; Damon Bryant, Beaver Falls; Larry Anderson, Schenley; Bill Varner, Valley; Joe Myers, Burrell.

GIRLS

2014 - Brenna Wise, Vincentian; Chassidy Omogrosso, Blackhawk; Yacine Diop, Seton-LaSalle; Erin Mathias, Fox Chapel; Sydney Bordonaro, Burrell.

2013 – Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Hopewell; Ciara Gregory, Jeannette; Erin Mathias, Fox Chapel; Chassidy Omogrosso, Blackhawk; Shelby Lindsay, South Park.

2012 – Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Hopewell; Destiny Brown, Gateway; Naje Gibson, Seton-LaSalle; Erin Waskowiak, Bishop Canevin; Ciara Gregory, Jeannette.

2011 – (pictured below) Madison Cable, Mt. Lebanon; Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Hopewell; Val McQuade, Shaler; Alexa Hayward, Blackhawk; Belma Nurkic, Baldwin.

2010 – Belma Nurkic, Baldwin; Madison Cable, Mt. Lebanon; Olivia Bresnahan, Butler; Paige Alviani, Hopewell; Jen Papich, Fox Chapel.

2009 – Emily Correal, Peters Township; Emily Miller, Mt. Lebanon; Markel Walker, Schenley; Olivia Bresnahan, Butler; Lily Grenci, Mars.

2008 – Darche Jackson, Penn Hills; Emily Correal, Peters Township; Jamie Smith, Woodland Hills; Jackie Babe, Mt. Lebanon; Alex Gensler, Upper St. Clair.

2007 – (pictured) Ashley Henderson, Greensburg Central Catholic; Erica Prosser, Oakland Catholic; Vanessa Abel, Southmoreland; Jaleesa Sams, New Castle; Shayla Scott, Gateway.

2006 – Jaleesa Sams, New Castle; Ashley Henderson, Greensburg Central Catholic; Amy Johns, McKeesport; Aysha Jones, Oakland Catholic; Joyce Novacek, Hopewell.

2005 – Brianne O'Rourke, Oakland Catholic; Rachel Frederick, North Catholic; Eve Pyle, Oakland Catholic; Danielle Gratton, Bethel Park; Dominique Duck, Schenley. 

2004 – Charel Allen, Monessen; Jocelyn Chandler, Uniontown; Lauren Revesz, Chartiers Valley; Nia Capuano, Moon; Meagan Cowher, Fox Chapel.

2003 – Charel Allen, Monessen; Loui Hall, Albert Gallatin; Erin Wigley, Moon; Kamela Gissendanner, Clairton; Meg Bulger, Oakland Catholic.

2002 – Meg Bulger, Oakland Catholic; Carmen Bruce, Schenley; Kamela Gissendanner, Clairton; Loui Hall, Albert Gallatin; Erin Wigley, Moon.

2001 – Tanisha Wright, West Mifflin; Amy Kunich, Oakland Catholic; Kacy O’Brien, Carlynton; Jess Strom, Steel Valley; Kamela Gissendanner, Clairton.

2000 – (pictured) Katie Bulger, Oakland Catholic; Jess Strom, Steel Valley; Tanisha Wright, West Mifflin; Ashle Kelly, Mt. Lebanon; Jessica Brungo, North Allegheny.

1999 – Katie Bulger, Oakland Catholic; Jen Sobota, Latrobe; Lisa Miller, Blackhawk; Brooke Stewart, East Allegheny; Beth Friday, Upper St. Clair.

1998 – Christal White, Mount Alvernia; Val Zona, Blackhawk, Cindy Dallas, Schenley; Katie Bulger, Oakland Catholci; Swin Cash, McKeesport (hamming it up)

1997 – Swin Cash, McKeesport; Erin Huth, North Allegheny; Cindy Dallas, Schenley; Korie Morton, Woodland Hills.

1996 – (pictured) Gina Naccarato, Monessen; LynnDee Howell, Penn Hills; Swin Cash, McKeesport; Kim Seaver, Mt. Lebanon; Michelle Katkowski, Mount Pleasant.

1995 – Mandy West, Upper St. Clair; Catherine Jacob, Penn Hills; Shauntai Hall, Albert Gallatin; Gina Naccarato, Monessen; Jackie Porac, North Catholic.

1994 – Mandy West, Upper St. Clair; Sherri Hannan, North Allegheny; Julie Moehring, Avonworth; Gina Naccarato, Monessen; Jackie Porac, North Catholic.

1993 – Mandy West, Upper St. Clair; Gina Naccarato, Monessen; Erin Miller, Oakland Catholic; Monique McCoy, Penn Hills; Missy Thompson, West Mifflin.

1992 – Elizabeth Proudfit, Washington; Lisa Vizzocca, Shaler; Kim Calhoun, Penn Hills; Collen Brady, Moon; Denise Gallo, Connellsville.

1991 – Shane Bartha, Apollo-Ridge; Kim Calhoun, Penn Hills; Stephanie Gonzales, Shady Side Academy; Kelly Malins, Ambridge; Elizabeth Proudfit, Washington.

1990 – Carrie Bordas, Aliquippa; Carla Coleman, McKeesport; Jonna Huemrich, Bethel Park; Bonnie Rimkus, Carlynton; Jenine Joyce, Penn Hills.

1989 – (pictured) Shannon Davis, Sacred Heart; Jonna Huemrich, Bethel Park; Carrie Bordas, Aliquippa; Cathy Torchia, St. Francis; Molly Larkin, North Catholic.

1988 – Shannon Davis, Sacred Heart; Julie Jones, Laurel Highlands; Molly Larkin, North Catholic; Leatha Dudeck, North Catholic; Karen Donley, Trinity.

1987 – Shannon Davis, Sacred Heart, Wendy Brink, Butler; Angie Kirkland, Beaver Falls; Connie Hurt, Penn Hills; Tanya Garner, West Mifflin.

1986 – Edna Campbell, Allderdice; Lorri Johnson, New Castle; Connie Hurt, Penn Hills; Diane Dobrich, Elizabeth Forward; Angie Kirkland, Beaver Falls.

1985 – (pictured) Maureen Conley, Mount Alvernia; Lorri Johnson, New Castle; Edna Campbell, Allderdice; Joy Jeter, Beaver Falls; Kathy McConnell, Seton-LaSalle.

1984 – Suzie McConnell, Seton-LaSalle; Karen Hall, Mount Alvernia; Maureen Conley, Mount Alvernia (need two more).

1983 – (pictured) Suzie McConnell, Seton-LaSalle; Lisa Faloon, Brashear; Maureen Conley, Mount Alvernia; Vida Kernich, Baldwin; Mimi Reiber, Chartiers Valley.

1982 – Suzie McConnell, Seton-LaSalle; Kim Tirik, Ambridge; Jane Plake, Serra; Kim Gannis, Brentwood; Allison Daniel, Langley;

1981 – Kim Tirik, Ambridge; Diane Walker, Oliver; Karen Hosek, Shaler; Leigh Curl, North Hills; Sally Anderson, Thomas Jefferson.

An exhibition of George W. Bush's paintings of world leaders recently opened at Dubya's presidential library. His painting, like his presidency, has been heavily criticized. Fortunately, his paintings haven't caused as many dead and wounded. 

Penguins

-What is Brooks Orpik's (above) future with the Penguins?

-"The coaches know that I know when I’m doing well and not doing well." - Orpik.

-Today would have been the 55th birthday of former Penguins defenseman Arto Javanainen. A second-round pick of the club in 1984, Javanainen was the first European draft pick in franchise history. A native of Finland, his NHL career amounted to 14 games with the Penguins and five points in 1984-85. After spending most of that season with the Penguins' AHL affiliate in Baltimore, Javanainen returned to his native Finland. He passed away Jan. 25, 2011 at the age of 51.

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-After the Jump: Whitehall's John Gibson made his NHL debut in a big way.

As New Voices Pittsburgh, the local non-profit organization, prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary, founder and executive director La’Tasha D. Mayes says there are still obstacles to women and girls of color getting access to reproductive services they need.

The East Liberty-based nonprofit was founded after Ms. Mayes, who was then 22 years old, attended a rally in Washington D.C. focused on women’s reproductive rights. On the bus ride home, several women asked her, “What now?”

Her answer to their question was the formation of New Voices Pittsburgh.

New Voices Pittsburgh is a place where women and girls of color have a space to discuss politics and progressive ideas, to speak on issues of reproductive justice and get involved as leaders, activists, and supporters.

“No matter what your background, all are welcome here to participate,” Ms. Mayes said.

“Everyone has the right to control their body, their gender, their sexuality and their destiny. We live in a complex world. We can’t fit into these neat little boxes. Life is too complicated. At New Voices Pittsburgh, we recognize that and work towards reproductive justice for women and girls of color,” she added. 

Ms. Mayes said there have been some troubling local developments that could have an impact on women’s reproductive rights.

For instance, The Department of Public Welfare closing in East Liberty will have a negative impact on the community. “We have to change our own condition because nobody is thinking about our issues,” she said. Healthcare (Specifically the Affordable Care Act) is a top priority of New Voices Pittsburgh.

“Fifty-one percent of uninsured people living in the United States are women of color. Life expectancy rates for women of color in Pittsburgh are comparable to those in developing nations such as Jamaica,” she added.**


#SEENComingTogether

But things are changing. Ms. Mayes believes that if women of color work together to make social change, it benefits all women, and in turn, all people. New Voices Pittsburgh doesn’t just represent women of color, Ms. Mayes added. Their organization lends a voice to many invisible minorities including the poor and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community, as well.

Want to get involved or donate? Email them: info@newvoicespittsburgh.org or connect on Facebook

**These statistics comes from the Raising Women's Voices Countdown to Coverage Women of Color Fact Sheet, p. 1 and the life expectancy statistic is from this report - Measure of America: Women's Well-Being, p. 6. The latter is specifically about Black women's life expectancy.

If you're having some issues figuring out the NHL's new playoff format, you're not alone. A few of the Penguins players haven't quite nailed it down either.

Along with realignment of the divisions and conferences, the NHL introduced a new format for the postseason. Each conference, now comprised of two divisions, would have eight teams qualify for the postseason but the potential matchups are radically different.

In the new format, the first three teams in each division qualify for the postseason. The last two teams to qualify will reach the postseason based on their record regardless of division. Two last two teams will be the wild card teams and will face the two division winners in the first round. The second and third place teams in their respected divisions will square off in the first round as well.

The second round is where it could get a bit confusing. Unlike seasons past, there is no re-seeding for the second round. Regardless of who wins in the first round, the bracket is set.

If the playoffs started today, the Eastern Conference matchups would look like this:

The Penguins would face the Red Wings in the first round. If the Penguins were to win, they would be guaranteed to face the winner of the Rangers-Flyers series. The only way they could face the Bruins, Blue Jackets, Canadiens or Lightning would be in the conference final.

The NHL has said the reasoning behind that was to place a greater importance on divisional rivalries. That would enable lesser travel for the first two rounds, especially in the Western Conference and it would give national broadcasters a better chance at high profile rivalries in major American markets during the early rounds. NBC is probably a lot more comfortable with Penguins-Red Wings or Rangers-Flyers as first-round series than Rangers-Lightning or Penguins-Canadiens for example.

The old format offered a 1-through-8 seeding process with the top seeded team playing the lowest seeded team regardless of divisions. The three division winners in each conference were given the top three seeds automatically. That caveat ruffled a few feathers around the league as often times, the third division winner had poorer records than the fourth, fifth and sixth seeds.

The new format can be a little tricky, even for those who are directly affected by it. A sampling of Penguins veterans revealed some varied responses in terms of understanding and and preference.

How long did it take to figure out the new format once it was revealed?

Craig Adams (right), right winger – “Not very long. It’s obviously different. It’s not something we [the NHLPA] supported necessarily. It’s the way it’s going now. We’ll see how it goes.”

Brooks Orpik, defenseman – “ I still haven’t figured it out to be honest with you. I understand the first round. I don’t know where it goes from there.”

Tomas Vokoun, goaltender – “It’s not that complicated. It’s more about the second round than the first round. The first round is pretty much the same. They call it ‘wild card’ but it’s basically the No. 7 and 8 teams. After that, you play in your division. It’s a little bit different but not a lot.

Sidney Crosby, center – “Not until last week. I feel like it was always something we talked about it but nobody really had a real firm answer on it. We played with different ideas but we didn’t have the exact answer. The confusing part was whether the wild card [team] was in your division if you still played that team or if you switched over.

Rob Scuderi, defenseman – “The first round seems to play out like it normally would. It’s a new take on it but I still think you’ve got to beat good teams to get to the [Stanley Cup Final]. What ever the format is, you usually have to beat good teams.”

Jussi Jokinen, left winger – “I think some guys, it probably took a little bit more [time]. You talk to some of our guys, they don’t know how it’s going to go. I got it right away. It’ll be interesting to see how it goes.

Brandon Sutter, center – “I think I just heard about it a week ago to be honest with you. Some guys aren’t too sure about it. I think I’ve got it down. I don’t know why they changed it. I’m not so sure.”

Marc-Andre Fleury (right), goaltender – “It took a little reading to make sure I got it right. I think we’ve just been used to the same thing for so long. It’s a little different. It should be interesting.” 

Paul Martin, defenseman – “Not too long. Not too different. It looks weird I think when you look at the [standings]. For the wild card, it’s obviously something new and different. Once you have it explained a couple of times, you figure it out.” 

Tanner Glass, left wing – “I looked at it two days ago online. One read-through and I think I got it.”

Matt Niskanen (top, with Detroit's Tomas Tatar), defenseman – “I didn’t quite get it until someone explained it to me three weeks ago. So I had no clue. I thought it had something to do with the divisions but I wasn’t sure how the wild card think worked exactly.”

Do you have a preference with either this format or the old 1-through-8 format?

Adams - "I don’t know. I think time will have to tell. If you’re always getting the game playoff matchups year after year, some people don’t like that. We’ll see how it plays out."

Orpik - "It’s way too complicated. I’m not sure what was wrong with [the old format]. It was pretty cut and dry. Pretty easy to understand I think a lot of people thought the top three division shouldn’t be the top three. You should be seeded one through eight. The winner of that [third] division… if you’re seventh, you get seventh. You don’t get third. I thought that was the only problem guys had with it. I thought it was a lot easier to understand.

Vokoun - "I think either way is fine. Bringing Detroit into the east is a good thing. Other than that, it’s fine. It was fine before too. It doesn’t change much.

Crosby (right) - “I liked the old one a little better. I think either way, the top eight [teams are in]. It’s just set up a bit differently. I could see the thought behind divisional matchups. But [in the first round], we could possibly not be in the division. It’s had to understand a little bit."

Scuderi - “Not necessarily. You’ve got to beat good teams to get there. Regardless of what format they make, you’ve to beat an upper echelon team to get there.”

Jokinen - “I kind of like it. It’s more proper rivalries. It’ll be some of those big rivalries. … We’ll have to wait a couple of more years to see how it goes. So far, I like the idea.”

Sutter - “One through eight just seems to make more sense to me. I’m not sure why they wanted to change it. I don’t know what the reason was. If you finish first, you should play the eighth place team. If you finish second, you should play seventh and so on.”

Fleury - “I guess we’ll see how it goes for this year. I’ll have a better idea after.”

Martin (right) - “Not really. You still got to put up the points. You still have to win your games. I don’t really have a preference. I’ll tell you after the playoffs.”

Glass - “I don’t care to be honest. I think this one might kind of cool because we might get more divisional matchups through the first two rounds at least. It looks good to me.”

Niskanen - “I guess not. I thought the old one was fine. The only thing I didn’t like about the old was winning a bad division gave you the third seed. I think you should be in the division for winning your division but I don’t think it should give you that higher seed. The wild car thing, I’m kind of indifferent about it. I’m not sure about with the divisions crossing over and if you stay in that division, that seems a bit complicated.”

(Photos: Duane Burleson/Associated Press, Drew Hallowell/Getty Images, Harry How/Getty Images, Jamie Sabau/Getty Images and Keith Srakocic/Associated Press)

Glory of Snow 'Pink Giant' is a welcome sight in the spring. It's easy to grow from a fall planted bulb. Photos by Doug Oster

Everyone knows about crocus and daffodils, but Glory of Snow (Chionodoxa forbesii) is blooming right now and it's a beauty.

Pictured is 'Pink Giant,' interesting name since it's only about six inches tall. Many cultivars are blue or purple and they are indestructible.

The bulbs are planted in the fall and will form a wonderful colony in only a few years.

They are deer resistant, in fact I've never seen the deer touch them.

Even though the gardening season is only just beginning, think ahead to fall planting and put Glory of Snow on your planting list.

I love Glory of Snow!

Often times fashionistas have to wait a few months before they can shop the looks featured on the runways of Fashion Week. 

But times are changing. 

In time for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Sydney, Australia, IMG Fashion -- a global leader in fashion show production -- has announced an e-commerce shop where people across the world can purchase pieces as they come down the catwalk.

The debut of the MBFW Boutique (pictured above) represents a shift in the retail world to a "see now, buy now" mentality.

"The initiative helps convert consumer interest into commercial outcomes for our designers and provides an added value and measurable benefit of staging their MBFW show," says IMG Fashion events and properties senior vice president and managing director Catherine Bennett.

To shop select looks from Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Australia, visit MBFashionWeek.com. Tweet the word SHOPTHERUNWAY to @MBFWBoutique or text the phrase to +61-471-645-503 are other ways to shop.  

I wouldn't want to garden without these flowers. Photo by Doug Oster

Each spring when the 'Yellow Mammoth' crocus bloom I think of my mother.

She didn't love gardening like I do, but put up with my fascination, letting me have a small vegetable garden in the back yard.

It was the yellow crocus flowers she planted in the late 60's which would great me at the front door after school. When I saw those flowers, I knew winter was officially over.

When they bloom in my garden today, I call my mother to talk about the blossoms. We laugh at my nostalgic take on life, something she has seen in me forever.

Those flowers were the last thing I saw at the house I grew up in. After cleaning it out, I looked behind me, and there they were. Blooming strong as ever.

I wrote about the experience for the Post-Gazette here.

There are endless reasons to choose certain plants for your garden. Every fall I put in more of these bulbs, even though the chipmunks love them as much as I do.

The luminescent orange blossoms remind me of growing up in a simpler, happier time. I can't help but smile when I see the tender blooms and think of my mother.

Walking into the Pittsburgh Opera’s home in the Strip District is like being transported back in time. Built in 1869, the space was originally utilized as George Westinghouse’s original air brake factory. Hanging on one of the walls is a quote from Westinghouse himself:

“If someday they say of me that I have benefited my fellow man, then I shall be satisfied.”

At 45,000 square feet, the industrial space (with cool, modern touches like exposed brick walls and wood beams throughout) has plenty of  room to house Opera rehearsals, a space for Attack Theater to practice their productions, and even a place for wigs, make-up, and costume production. (The space can be rented out for weddings and other events on its off-hours).

I met with the Pittsburgh Opera’s general director Christopher Hahn, a native of South Africa, (who has the most amazing accent), and took a tour through the facility. Many people have a misperception of opera and its audience as being old fashioned -- an image that Mr. Hahn wants to change:

“People think [the opera] is so serious; but it is fun and uplifting. It touches on so many areas of our knowledge, and may be the most complex and invigorating art form available to us.”

Not only does the Pittsburgh Opera showcase a wide array of performances (from the classics to more contemporary pieces) but they also travel to schools to teach children and teenagers about this amazing art form through their art trunk program.

During the tour I was reminded of my first exposure to opera, in high school, when my chorus class sang songs from Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.”  This memory still resonates with me today as I fell in love with so many of the melodies.

Later on the tour, Michele Fabrizi, board chair, met us as we meandered through the costume and wig department. She echoed Mr. Hahn’s thoughts about the mission of the Pittsburgh Opera.

“It’s important for people to try new things,” she said. “We need to get out of our comfort zones, have new experiences, expand our minds, enrich our lives. That’s what the arts can do for us.”

It’s hard not to get excited about opera when seeing this beautiful building and hearing from two of its staunchest supporters. I became even more enthusiastic when I heard about their monthly Brown Bag Lunch program. This is FREE (yes you read that correctly!) to the public and usually happens on the second Saturday of each month (October through April). Bring your lunch and enjoy a free concert...how cool is that?

Opera is accessible, it is uplifting, and it can even be transformative!

I am looking forward to their upcoming fundraising event, Maecenas XXX (voted one of the best parties of the year by the Post Gazette).

Pictured above in the costume department: Michele Fabrizi & Christopher Hahn

For more information on this gala, CLICK HERE. Clearly, it will be #MoneyWellSpent.

Follow the Pittsburgh Opera on Twitter: @PittsburghOpera

Women's pay is definitely "off" when compared to the earnings of men doing the same job. Sadder still, African American and Latino women make even less. 

A preview of the Red Wings.

When and where: 8 p.m. EDT. Consol Energy Center.

TV: NBC Sports, TSN.

Record: 38-27-14, 90 points. The Red Wings are in fourth place in the Atlantic Division.

Leading Scorer: Daniel Alfredsson (right), 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists).

Last Game: 4-2 road win against the Sabres, last night. Jimmy Howard made 25 saves for the Red Wings.

Last Game against the Penguins: 5-4 overtime home win, March 20. Alfredsson had two goals and an assist for the Red Wings.

Red Wings Player We Would Bet Money On Scoring: Alfredsson. He has 68 points in 66 career games against the Penguins.

Ex-Penguins on the Red Wings: Mikael Samuelsson, RW; Tyler Wright, director of amateur scouting.

Ex-Red Wings on the Penguins: Chris Conner, LW; Don Waddell, professional scout; Warren Young, amateur scout.

Useless Red Wings Trivia Vaguely Related to the Penguins: Red Wings left winger Todd Bertuzzi is one of three players selected in the 1993 draft who are still active on an NHL roster. The others are Ducks center Saku Koivu as well as Flyers defenseman and former Penguin Hall Gill.

(Note: A fourth player, Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger, is still officially active but is all but retired. )

Best Red Wings Video We Could Find: The Red Wings' Luc Robitaille scoring his 610th career goal and tying the Blackhawks' Bobby Hull for the most goals in NHL history by a left winger:

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Probable goaltenders: Marc-Andre Fleury (38-18-4, 2.34 GAA, .917 SV%) for the Penguins. Jonas Gustavsson (16-5-3, 2.63 GAA, .909SV%) for the Red Wings.

Injuries: For the Penguins, centers Marcel Goc (left foot/ankle), Evgeni Malkin (foot) and Joe Vitale ("upper body") are out. Right wingers Chris Conner (foot), Pascal Dupuis (knee) and goaltender Tomas Vokoun (blood clots) are on injured reserve. For the Red Wings, right winger Dan Cleary (knee) and defenseman Jonathan Ericsson (finger) are out. Right winger Mikael Samuelsson (shoulder), center Stephen Weiss (hernia) and left winger Henrik Zetterberg (back) are on injured reserve.

Potential lines and defensive pairings: The Penguins lines and defensive pairings at today's morning skate were:

14 Chris Kunitz - 87 Sidney Crosby - 19 Beau Bennett
49 Brian Gibbons - 36 Jussi Jokinen - 18 James Neal
15 Tanner Glass - 16 Brandon Sutter - 22 Lee Stempniak
17 Taylor Pyatt - 27 Craig Adams - 45 Adam Payerl

44 Brook Orpik - 7 Paul Martin
2 Matt Niskanen - 3 Olli Maatta
58 Kris Letang - 4 Rob Scuderi

-The Red Wings did not hold a full morning skate. Their primary lines and defensive pairigns against the Sabres last night were:

93 Johan Franzen - 13 Pavel Datsyuk - 8 Justin Abdelkader
21 Tomas Tatar - 15 Riley Sheahan - 14 Gustav Nyquist
43 Darren Helm - 17 David Legwand - 11 Daniel Alfredsson
20 Drew Miller - 41 Luke Glendening - 26 Tomas Jurco

2 Brendan Smith - 55 Niklas Kronwall
27 Kyle Quincey - 65 Danny DeKeyser
23 Brian Lashoff - 4 Jakub Kindl

Notes:

-The last time the Penguins played the Red Wings, this happened:

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-Kris Letang will return to the lineup tonight for the first time since suffering a stroke, Jan. 29.

-The Penguins have won 99 regular season games at Consol Energy Center.

-Adams has 99 career assists.

-The Red Wings' magic number to clinch a playoff berth is one point.

-Our live blog begins at approximately 7 p.m. Please tune in.

(Photo: Photobucket)