Were going to have to be smart on how we manage his reps,

The Pittsburgh Penguins didnt change a whole lot after being swept by the Boston Bruins in the Eastern Conference final. Coach Dan Bylsma, centre Evgeni Malkin and defencemen Kris Letang got contract extensions, and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury got a vote of confidence. But on Friday the team announced the addition of seasoned coach Jacques Martin as an assistant, a move that could be a minor tweak for a Stanley Cup contender or a major change for Bylsma and his staff. General manager Ray Shero indicated that Bylsma initiated talks with Martin with the idea of adding experience. Bylsma said it wasnt just a response to the Penguins surprising playoff exit. "I think weve always looked at situations where we need to be able to get better at and improve upon. We certainly did that after this year," Bylsma said on a conference call with reporters. "We want someone with maybe a little bit different look at things from a different perspective." The 60-year-old Martin brings a unique perspective, having won 613 of 1,294 games in parts of 17 seasons as an NHL head coach. He won the Jack Adams Award as coach of the year with the Ottawa Senators in 1999 and is 10th all-time in victories. Martin most recently spent three seasons coaching the Montreal Canadiens before being fired and replaced by Randy Cunneyworth midway through the 2011-12 season. He hasnt been an assistant since 1995-96 with the Cup-champion Colorado Avalanche, but Martin isnt worried about stepping back into that role. "I think Ive always looked at coaching, whether Im the head coach or an assistant coach as teamwork, working together," Martin said. "Yes we have different responsibilities, but Ive always felt that I wanted my assistant coaches to be strong-minded, strong people that express themselves." The Penguins werent sure if Martin would join Bylsma and assistants Tony Granato and Todd Reirden behind the bench for games as their specific roles are expected to become more defined after training camp. Martin is hoping to learn from those younger coaches and also plans to lean on past experience in Ottawa with late mentor Roger Neilson. "Roger happened to be one of my assistant coaches at the end of his career, and he was tremendous," Martin said. "I think I can relate to what Roger brought to my coaching style and to our team in Ottawa when he worked as an assistant. I can bring some of those same contributions, same knowledge and commitment to Dan and to the rest of our staff and the Penguins organization." Martin had a previous connection to Shero from some time together with the Senators, but it was Bylsma who apparently sought him out as an assistant-coaching candidate. Bylsma said the plan to hire another assistant had been discussed in previous years, but everything came together to add Martin after a couple of months of conversations. "We werent just looking for a coach, we were looking for a criteria of a coach and an experience of a coach," Bylsma said. "The expertise that comes with Jacques, his experience in the game at many different levels is really what we want to add to our team." Martin has never won a Cup as a head coach but has a ring from the Avalanche. In going to Pittsburgh, Martin expressed excitement about joining a team that sees winning it all as a "mandate." The Penguins hope hiring Martin helps them return to the top of the NHL for the first time since 2009. "Were a salary cap league now for eight years or so," Shero said. "Theres other areas in which you try to improve your team off the ice. This is just another avenue trying to do that, to add to our coaching staff, to make us a better team, and thats simply what were trying to do." One way for Martin to make an impact could be by helping Letang round out his defensive game. Reirden has been in charge of the blue-line and might continue in that role, but Martin brings with him the experience of overseeing the growth of young defencemen like Chris Phillips and Wade Redden in Ottawa. Bylsma said Letang, who this summer signed a US$58-million, eight-year extension, has "improved dramatically." But of course theres room for some work. "From the outside, from coaching against him, theres no doubt that he has tremendous vision, has tremendous offensive skill," Martin said. "I think like many other young defencemen I think its moving without the puck, its improving, playing maybe more of a controlled game. ... "Im looking forward to that opportunity as well as the other great players on this team." Jordan Lucas Super Bowl Jersey . 24 Baylor in a Big 12 clash between teams trending in opposite directions. Andrew Wiggins made 10-of-12 from the foul line and scored 17 for Kansas (14-4, 5-0 Big 12), which capped a stretch of four straight games against ranked opponents unscathed. Demarcus Robinson Super Bowl Jersey . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Larry-Johnson-Chiefs-Jersey/ . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early. Daniel Sorensen Super Bowl Jersey . MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez also will attend the session, which was announced Monday. The league has discussed placing its next two expansion teams in Miami and Atlanta. Frank Clark Super Bowl Jersey . Defenceman Yannick Weber scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the Canucks breathed a sigh of relief with a 2-1 win on Saturday night. LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Pernell McPhee was back at practice for the first time this season, and is hoping to play again for the Chicago Bears soon.The linebacker was placed on the physically unable to perform list when training camp started and did not participate in offseason work after the surgery to his left knee.The Bears have 21 days to consider whether to put McPhee on the 53-man active roster. He will not play Sunday against Jacksonville.I feel great, man, he said Friday. Im out there practicing, running around with my teammates, so thats the best feeling in the world.McPhee, who had five sacks in his first seven games last year after coming over as a free agent from Baltimore, worked through knee issues for much of 2015 and then had surgery. Neither McPhee nor the Bears are saying the exact nature of the injury or surgery. The team found McPhee wasnt ready to practice in training camp, and he has been rehabbing since.Youve got to go ask the doctors that, McPhee said about why it took so long. I had a successful surgery and its healed now and Ive got the opportunity to play football and thats the only thing that matters.McPhee likened his recovery to a car repair.So throughout the process, I just had to oil up everything else around so I know I was 100 percent when I come back, he said.Bears coach John Fox said the surgery occurred 39 weeks ago and the team would be cautious about McPhees return.Were going to have to be smart on how we manage his reps, both on the practice field in preparation, as well as in games, Fox said.dddddddddddd I think were just kind of starting that procedure now.McPhee worked with the scout team Friday.Obviously, he was excited, Fox said. It was good to see a smile on his face.McPhee signed a five-year, $40 million free agent contract with the Bears before the 2015 season after starting his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He had five sacks in his first seven games, but began experiencing knee pain and tried to play through it.McPhee finished with only one more sack in 14 games.Fox anticipates it will be an emotional boost for his 1-4 team just to have McPhee practicing.Fridays typically a little more of a light workout, but Id say I think there was some enthusiasm there and some freshness there, for sure, Fox said.Wide receiver Marquess Wilson is also on the PUP list due to an offseason foot injury, but the Bears chose not to begin considering him for the roster.Game notes Quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb), running back Jeremy Langford (ankle) and nose tackle Eddie Goldman (ankle) are doubtful for Sundays game with Jacksonville. They did not practice this week. Cornerback Diondre Hall (ankle) has been ruled out. ... Tackle Bobby Massie is questionable after missing Fridays practice due to an ankle injury.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '