Practice notes - 12-31-10

-Live video of today's practice:

-Some notes and photos from practice.

-Mario Lemieux spoke at a rare press conference:

-He spoke about the alumni game, Sidney Crosby and the weekend in general. We'll have video later.

-All that "snow" around the rink? It's cotton:

-The rink:

-Fans:

-Brent Johnson:

-Pascal Dupuis has been the star of the practice for wearing a Steelers helmet:

-And a rare rear shot of Brian Engblom's mullet:

-Sidney Crosby's skeevy perv mustache is gone. Paul Martin's weak attempt at one is still here:

-The choice of green for the temporary seating in the south end zone make it look like the have a tribute to the North Stars or the Oakland Seals:

-Jordan Staal, who looked strong on his skates, lost a shootout drill and had to climb to the top of the north section of the stadium as "punishment."

-Mario Lemieux speaks:

-Lots of media here to speak with the Penguins:

-The skate sharpener and other equipment Dana Heinze and company use is right outside the Steelers' locker room:

-The Capitals about to take the ice for practice:

-Ovechkin is loving it:

-This a pretty ominous sign for Capitals goaltender Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth:

-The Capitals lining up for a team photo:

-A Ron Francis Whalers fan is here too:

-Given Ovechkin's history with rough hits, it's kind of amusing to see the NFL's "no helmet hits" sign is right near his locker: