Michel Therrien

Michel Therrien gets a new three-year contract in Pittsburgh.

Odd, because the former Canadiens coach was not hired by Penguins general manager Ray Shero but by his predecessor, Craig Patrick.

And rumours swirled, after the Stanley Cup final, that several Penguins would not come back if Therrien were still coaching. It was also suggested that Mario Lemieux was a Therrien critic.

Ryan Malone did depart. So did Marian Hossa.

But Brooks Orpik, said to be no fan of his coach, re-upped. And now the coach has a three-year extension  – which is an eternity in coaching

So go figure.

Writing in the Torontro Sun, Steve Simmons suggests Michel Therrien may be in trouble in Pittsburgh.

The story says neither Brooks Orpik nor Jordan Staal wants to play for Therrien. In Orpik's case, not a big deal. But if the kindly old coach has lost Staal, that's a major problem.

More ominously, Simmons writes, Mario Lemieux is not a fan of his coach. If that's true, Therrien is toast.

I think Therrien's troubles began when the media started calling him "Mike". 

It recalls the story of Berel, Cherel and Schmerel, three brothers my grandfather knew in the old country.

"I'm going to America," said Berel, "and evereyone will call me Buck."

"I'm going, too," said Cherel, "and everyone will call me Chuck." 

"I've decided," said Schmerel, "to stay in Russia."