Six of the most popular articles on SCST. http://www.scsportstalk.com (2 comments) - Last Friday, we published a post about the divergent attendance and enthusiasm trends in the NHL vs. the NBA. It has sparked some wide-ranging debate, and I'm due on Rogers Sportsnet's Prime Time Sports to discuss it tonight. Sports Media Watch has a post on the topic week with some really interesting numbers and insights, including how razor-thin the margin is between the NBA and NHL in average attendance:

During the 2007-08 season, the NBA averaged 17,396 fans per game, compared to 17,268 for the NHL. Through November 24 of this year, using the most recent data compiled from ESPN.com, the NBA is edging the NHL in average attendance, 17,178 to 17,119. http://www.scsportstalk.com/viewarticle.php?id=1000372 (4 comments) - SCST's own MattyGabe runs through a list of 5 things the Penguins must do in order to secure a spot in the upcoming NHL Playoffs for 2009. http://www.scsportstalk.com/viewarticle.php?id=1000407 (2 comments) - Thirty-five newly minted millionaires -- the cream of the NFL rookie class -- gathered in Los Angeles over the weekend to pose for their trading-card photos.

On the opposite coast this week, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the league's 32 owners will gather for their annual May meetings and talk about ways to keep those rookie salaries in check.

Among the many topics up for discussion in the two-day meetings, which begin Tuesday, is a rookie salary cap that probably will be part of a new collective bargaining agreement. After all, where's the justice in a rookie who has yet to take a snap earning more than a perennial Pro Bowl player? http://www.scsportstalk.com/viewarticle.php?id=1000476 (1 comments) - PITTSBURGH (AP)—Pittsburgh Steelers center Justin Hartwig(notes) has signed a four-year contract on Tuesday, two days before the season opener against Tennessee.

The Steelers have a policy of not negotiating with players once a season begins, so Hartwig’s deal—which runs through 2012—is likely the last until the offseason. http://www.scsportstalk.com/viewarticle.php?id=1000495 (5 comments) -
“Contrary to published reports, Larry Foote is still a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any stories indicating that Larry has been released by the team are inaccurate.”

-- Steelers Communications Coordinator Dave Lockett http://www.scsportstalk.com/viewarticle.php?id=1000470 (1 comments) - The Penguins won the third Stanley Cup in franchise history Friday night, defeating Detroit, 2-1, in Game 7 at Joe Louis Arena.

Max Talbot scored both goals for the Penguins, who last won the Cup in following the 1991-92 season. http://www.scsportstalk.com/viewarticle.php?id=1000482