No laughing matter

While we're fairly certain new Red Wings and former Penguins Ty Conklin and Marian Hossa are chuckling at a fairly innocent random thought in the above picture, the creative part in us wants to assume their intentions are far more devious and directed at the Penguins. Either that or their laughing at the fact that the city they're now employed in has a mayor who will be going to jail soon.

David Guralnick of the Detroit News caught these two in practice recently and he's staging a caption contest with the above photo. The best caption wins a copy of the photo.

So feel free to contribute to the contest on the Detroit News' site or in our comments. Please keep them clean. The best caption in our space of the Internet wins... uh... our respect.

By the way, why is Conklin still sporting some old Penguins equipment?

A story associated with the photo points out Hossa went to Detroit simply to win the Cup.

In the Detroit Free Press, Hossa specifically explains why he chose the Red Wings over the Penguins:

"Basically, it's simple. There was a few teams in play, but my decision was between Pittsburgh and Detroit. Detroit won because the team stayed together and it's a strong hockey team, a strong organization. Don't want to take anything from Pittsburgh. I had a great time there, unbelievable young players and great group. But I just feel, you know, a little bit better chance here."

(Kudos to EN reader Debra Pollock for spotting the photo.)

EMPTY NETTER ASSISTS

Penguins

-Michel Therrien is a bigger football fan than you.

-Penguins rookies are to report today for a rookie tournament in Kitchener, Ont.

-Happy birthday to The Pensblog.

-Former Penguins defenseman Joel Bouchard joined the Quebec Juniors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League as an assistant coach.

-Another former Penguins defenseman Bob Boughner has his work cut out for him this season as coach of the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.

-The Wheeling Nailers re-signed defenseman Chris Snavely.

Atlantic Division

-Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is thinking about Vancouver in 2010.

Northeast Division

-The Canadiens will be dusting off a few throwback jerseys this seasons.

Southeast Division

-We're not big on rumors here, but we couldn't resist this one. The Tampa Bay Lightning might be courting Mats Sundin. He played in a charity hockey game recently with Lightning forward and former Penguin Gary Roberts and new Lightning owner Oren Koules. Roberts and Sundin played together in Toronto.

Northwest Division

-Canucks forward Ryan Johnson is trying to make the most out of his time in Vancouver. He is the brother of former Penguins forward Greg Johnson.

Pacific Division

-Ducks owner Henry Samueli is still in hot water.

-New Line Cinema made a movie about Stars forward Sean Avery.

Adams Division

-The NHL is doing away with team media guides. Considering half of them aren't even available until November usually, we're not sure too many folks will notice.

-Your best source for Bulgarian women's ice hockey information is clearly the fine and excellent James Mirtle.