PITTSBURGH - A year ago Georges Laraque would have never been on the ice with two minutes left in a big playoff game. In fact, he probably would have been in the press box.

That's the difference between the 2007 version of Georges Laraque and the slimmer, quicker and more motivated 2008 model.

"In 2007 I was a whale at 270 pounds," said the Pittsburgh Penguins tough guy. "And now I'm in better shape at 255. It's much easier to skate at 255 than at 270."

It's a testimony to his off-season dedication that the former Edmonton Oilers fan favourite has become a regular in the Penguins lineup, helping set up the winning goal in Game 2 of the NHL's Eastern Conference final on Sunday night and taking a shift late in the game on his fourth line to help preserve the lead.

"I don't remember the last time that's happened with a fourth