NFL	NBA	MLB	NHL	COLLEGE
	SOCCER	NASCAR	GOLF

Penguins center Sidney Crosby admitted yesterday that he perpetuated a lie over the past several weeks. Crosby has been hiding the fact that he sustained a broken bone in his left foot March 16 when he blocked a shot. He continued to play despite the pain, but he will skip the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships to give the foot a chance to fully heal. He will not require surgery. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Although Gary Roberts isn't a big-time goal-scorer, his physical play and intangibles were big factors in the Penguins' strong finish. He's an unrestricted free agent, and the Penguins might be a long shot to retain him, because Roberts apparently would like to be closer to a daughter who attends school in Toronto. -- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Islanders GM Garth Snow is leery of committing too much to Jason Blake at this stage of his career, even though it would be hard to replace his scoring, consistent hustle and feisty attitude. Because of his speed and conditioning, however, Blake might get $4 million-plus per season from another team that fits his style. Possibly even Buffalo. -- Newsday

Whether the Islanders can sign either Ryan Smyth or Jason Blake or both might depend on the status of the man who disappeared into the middle of the handshake line, captain Alexei Yashin. He has four more years worth $26.45 million remaining on a contract that sits on the Islanders' salary cap like a lead weight. -- Newsday

As the Panthers consider their goaltending options for next season, General Manager Jacques Martin figures to be making a call to Doug Risebrough, his Minnesota counterpart, about the availability of Manny Fernandez. -- Palm Beach Post

If the Wild want Niklas Backstrom, they likely would have to accept a meager return for Manny Fernandez just to free up the $4.3 million in cap space, some of which would be used to sign Backstrom. In essence, they would be trading Fernandez for Backstrom. -- St. Paul Pioneer Press

In the wake of Doug MacLean's firing as general manager in Columbus, don't look for former Flyers GM Bob Clarke to join former Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock there as the Blue Jackets' next GM. The Blue Jackets may stay inside. -- Philadelphia Inquirer

Put Maple Leafs general manager John Ferguson high on the list of those wanting to know just when Islanders defenseman Sean Hill tested positive for performance-enhancing substances. Hill played in all four New York wins at the end of the regular season as the Isles beat out the Leafs by a point. -- Toronto Sun

The farm system doesn't have much to offer at the moment beyond forwards Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen and Sean Bergenheim. Last year's top draft pick, Kyle Okposo, might benefit considerably from another year at the University of Minnesota. -- Newsday

Boston University's Cory Schneider has been monitored closely by Vancouver. Because of Roberto Luongo's incumbency, Schneider could have more value on the market. Schneider acknowledged that he might never wear a Vancouver sweater if the Canucks can receive impact pieces in return. -- Boston Globe

Brian Boyle, who signed a two-year deal with Los Angeles last Monday, concluded his Boston College career on the blue line. But the 6-7 Boyle has been playing center for Manchester, LA's AHL affiliate. -- Boston Globe

	NFL	NBA	MLB	NHL	COLLEGE
	SOCCER	NASCAR	GOLF