NHL: Penguins roll Habs in series opener
In Pittsburgh, defensemen Kris Letang and Alex Goligoski each had a goal and an assist and the Penguins shredded the Montreal penalty-killing unit, beating the Canadiens 6-3 last night in the first game of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Sidney Crosby set up two goals, and Jordan Staal and Sergei Gonchar also scored.
NBA: Source: LeBron wins 2nd straight MVP
LeBron James was voted the league’s MVP for the second straight year, a person familiar with the announcement said. James, who averaged 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 8.6 assists this season, is the 10th NBA player to be the MVP in consecutive seasons. James showed no signs of being bothered by a right elbow injury while attempting shots during practice ahead of today’s series opener against the Celtics in Cleveland.
NFL: Favre: Surgery needed before return
Brett Favre said in a statement posted on his website that he needs surgery on his left ankle in order to play this season for the Vikings. But he said he’s had surgery on it twice before and the injury “is not debilitating.”
* Cowboys rookie receiver Dez Bryant said he’s done talking about being asked by Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland in a pre-draft interview if his mother was ever a prostitute. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross gave Ireland a vote of confidence and said he considers “the matter closed.”
ETC.: Gordon, Johnson patch things up
Kyle Busch won the pole for tonight’s NASCAR race at Richmond International Raceway. Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, who said the air has been cleared in their well-publicized fued of the past two weeks, will start in the second row.
* New Wagner basketball coach Dan Hurley added Luke Murray, the son of actor Bill Murray, to his staff, The Post has learned. Murray is considered a quick riser in the college coaching ranks. He spent last season in the Pac-10 as an assistant at Arizona. —