Brian Dumoulin sparkles for Penguins in postseason

WASHINGTON — Frankly, I thought Sergei Gonchar had lost his mind, even if he is the last person on earth who could be accused of such a thing.

Two years ago. Stanley Cup playoffs. Maligned Penguins defense shocking the hockey world. I ask Gonchar, the D-man whisperer, to break down each player. He mentions Brian Dumoulin in the same breath as Nicklas Lidstrom.

What?

I consider omitting the quote because I don’t want to make Gonchar look bad. I mean, he’s obviously not saying Dumoulin is Nick Lidstrom. Nobody’s Nick Lidstrom. But I’m not sure that will come across.

I finally go with it. Gonchar’s as sharp as they get, I reason, and he’s clearly referencing the nuances in Dumoulin’s game.

“A few…