Here’s what Hank Zetterberg did last night, without registering a point. He proved that he’s not only the Conn Smythe front-runner, which we kind of assumed. But he showed the world what it takes to win a huge hockey game, and to earn the title of best player in the NHL.

There’s a difference between being elite, like Sidney Crosby, and the best—like Zetterberg. The best? They play in every situation, and they excel. The best don’t sit out penalty kills. The best dominate them.

Chris Osgood’s killing people today. Killing them. Only the stupid are saying he’s a “product of the system” or the team that plays in front of him. Osgood won that game. He won it. He staved them off and silenced thousands. Again.

And look who may have earned himself a capital C last night. It’s what captains do. Three minutes in and the Wings had given up that precious first goal. The Igloo was rocking and Michelle Therrien was probably thinking he was a very smart man, instead of the raving idiot he actually is. Captains find lanes and they seek out spots. Captains thrive. Nick Lidstrom did just that.

Sidney Crosby chased Hank Zetterberg for a minute, screaming at him, challenging him. It was a little pathetic, and must have been embarrassing for his daddy. Pens fans, who aren’t talking too much about that little episode, probably don’t point to that with any sort of pride. Then afterward, during the presser, he was still bitter. He said Zetterberg hadn’t done “anything special” during the 5-3.

But he bit his tongue. He held himself in check. He could have said more, wanted to say more, but didn’t. It wouldn’t have done any good and he realized that. As for the chase scene after the game? I’m inclined to cut him some slack. He’d just lost a one-goal Cup Final game and emotions got the best of him.

Crosby’s reaction didn’t irritate me. It was funny, but I don’t believe it defines him. He’s a kid who’ll learn from it.

Now. Michelle Therrien? That guy can flat out kiss my ass. His whining this week has been pathetic, and I’m sure it will continue. He may want to take a hard look at his own decision making before trying to distract the MSM. Nice timeout Michelle. I’m sure Uncle Mike appreciated the fact that he could keep the league’s top two defensive players on the ice. Brilliant.

And Malkin on the point? Michelle? How many times does that kid have to fail before you realize it’s not the place he needs to be with a man advantage?

Speaking of Malkin, the slew footer, anyone else hoping he wins the Hart? Never will a league MVP mean so little, and each time it’s mentioned, Zetterberg will be in the same sentence…maybe not the Hart winner, but the league’s best player.

You have every right to be proud of this team today. Their performance in the third period was inspiring. It was a hungry team who could see the glint of a Cup, just over the horizon. Tomorrow night? My god, they’re going to be flying. The Joe will be rocking. I’d give anything to be there, but I’ll take great satisfaction in knowing a few of you will be representing all 19 of us.

The Chalice comes home tomorrow night. It’s going to be hidden away for two periods. We’ll see images of dudes shining it up. “We want the Cup” chants will start right off the hop. The best team in the league, maybe the best team the NHL has seen since 1998, is going to reclaim it. And no state deserves it more.

Mortgage crisis. Gas prices. Auto industry disasters. Dirtbag mayors. Horrible Lions. Heartbreaking Tigers. All will be forgotten because a coach who can laugh on the bench in the middle of the worst kind of stress, a couple Swedes and a goalie who never forgot how good it felt to wear the Winged Wheel won’t let this team lose when Stanley’s so close.

End this thing.