Not so much because the Penguins failed to win a game at the Wachovia Center this season, or because the Flyers try to take any particular liberties with him.

No, Malkin said, the problem is the popcorn. Not because the stuff available at the concession stands is any more stale or chewy than the pseudo-Styrofoam offered in most arenas, but because some fans are more inclined to toss it onto the visiting team's bench than down their throats.

He might have a valid point, but in a city that celebrates the hostility of its sports fans, chucking popcorn hardly seems to constitute an act of wanton violence.

"[Malkin] is from Russia,'' linemate Ryan Malone said yesterday. "I don't know what they have over there, but popcorn's not that big of a deal. Most of us played some type of junior hockey, where we've seen worse. Where we've had beers dumped on us.''

Popcorn, of course, isn't the only thing that will be hurled at the Penguins before, during and after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals against the Flyers tonight. Taunts and insults will, as usual, pour down from the upper reaches of the Wachovia Center, and a few other objects - edible or otherwise - figure to sail in their direction as well.

The idea is to distract, even intimidate them and, given the Penguins' 0-4 record in 2007-08, it's hard to see a built-in flaw in the formula. The only catch is, rather than being unnerved by the abuse - regardless of the precise form it takes - most of the Penguins insist they actually enjoy the working conditions at the Wachovia Center.

"I wouldn't say it's a tough place to play,'' defenseman Rob Scuderi said. "They're obviously pretty passionate about their team, pretty passionate about the game. It makes it fun to go in there, that the fans are into it. It's more fun playing there than it would be in a place where the seats aren't filled and the fans aren't into it.''

Scuderi is one of the guys who receives only the standard-issue mistreatment. Sidney Crosby is the one who's treated like he had been dropped off in the midst of 20,000 Dawg Pound residents who have gone off their medication.

"I would say it's a pretty tough place to play,'' Crosby said. "But at the same time, in the playoffs it makes for a great atmosphere.''

He declined to specify the worst thing that has been said or done to him, but that might just mean there were too many possibilities to sift through on short notice.

"I can't really name one thing,'' Crosby said. "They're just a tough crowd. They're not afraid to say anything. You know, they're just very vocal. A vocal group.'' *