Chicago Tribune Hits Low With 'Chrissy Pronger' Centerfold

PHILADELPHIA -- Congratulations to the editors of the Chicago Tribune on an idea that will lead to hundreds of links, millions of page views and probably a few thousand much-needed newspaper buys. The only question is, was it worth the cost of dignity?

Not to be confused with Christie Brinkley, here's Chrissy Pronger (click here for full-size image).

Yes, the Chicago Tribune -- the supposedly serious newspaper in the Windy City, the paper that has brought us brilliant sportswriting and the late, great Gene Siskel -- has its pom-poms out with the Blackhawks one game away from the Stanley Cup. For a special pullout poster in Tuesday's editions, the Tribune photoshopped a picture of Pronger at practice and put the big defenseman in a skirt.

Blackhawks lead series, 3-2
Blackhawks vs. Flyers Series Page

If that wasn't enough, the wordsmiths at the Trib could not resist a few pokes. "Looks like Tarzan, skates like Jane," is the subhead under Pronger's name. And then, a shot at Pronger's minus-5 in the Blackhawks' 7-4 win over the Flyers in Game 5 on Sunday night at the United Center.

Having it both ways, the newspaper goes a little soft at the bottom of the poster. "100% chance we'll change our minds if Hawks sign him."

Aw, the Tribune has a heart. Too late. Pronger, the dominant figure in the Stanley Cup Final despite his porous play in Game 5, is under contract for six more years to Philadelphia.

Pronger, who seemed to be aware of the poster, declined to say anything about it. "I don't read what you guys write," he said. "Good or bad. I really don't care, to be honest with you. I'm worried about playing this game."

The Philadelphia Daily News has been running a color centerfold of Flyers players since the start of the Final. Chances of a response? Pretty good.

The poster provided a mini-sideshow in the 72-hour run-up to Game 6. If the Tribune thought the Pronger bit was worth the pride of the professionals on its staff, more power to them. As media columnist Richard Deitsch of Sports Illustrated wrote on Twitter, "I feel bad for those at The Trib who know this is weak." They'll never admit it, but you know Jonathan Toews and the rest of the Blackhawks are embarrassed about it, too.