Sports Week

It's been a big week in sports.

* U.K. soccer giants Manchester United followed up their winning of the English Premier League title by outlasting British rivals Chelsea to win the European Champions League in a thrilling match Wednesday. Tied 1-1 after regulation and extra time, the two clubs squared off in a penalty kick shootout in the pouring rain in Moscow. United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had his unsteady penalty try saved easily by Chelsea keeper Peter Cech, opening the door for the London side to win the European title on Russian owner Roman Abramovich's home turf. Chelsea captain John Terry slipped as he pushed the would-be game winner wide of the goal, and the Blues were done for good when United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar denied Nicolas Anelka's attempt, securing the Cup for the Red Devils.

* The Los Angeles Lakers rekindled thoughts of the early 2000s -- if not the 1980s -- by taking a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA's Western Conference Playoffs. Down by 20 in the third quarter of the first game, the Lakers rallied to win behind a surreal 25-point second half performance by Kobe Bryant. Second game: Lakers by 30.

* I don't really follow hockey, but the Pittsburgh Penguins blanked the Philadelphia Flyers 6-0 to earn a trip to face the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup. Since my family hails from northern West Virginia, just 30 miles from the 'burgh, and since Sid "The Kid" Crosby is the best thing to happen to hockey since Mario Lemieux: Go Pens!