I would never say that the Pittsburgh Penguins have flown out of the gate this year (you can make a flightless birds comment if you like) but they have been playing pretty solidly. And did I mention that Sidney Crosby got cleared for contact yesterday? That must be why they appear so high in NHL Power Rankings from around the Internet.
ESPN: No. 5
Earning five out of six points in Western Canada is a terrific start to the season, but Evgeni Malkin's sudden scratch Sunday night is an obvious concern.
Fox Sports: No. 4
Sidney who? The Pens scored 9 goals this weekend, even with Evgeni Malkin sidelined for a game. Eight different players found the back of the net for Pittsburgh in its western Canada excursion.
Sporting News: No. 10
The Sidney Crosby concussion saga drags on longer than anyone expected, but Evgeni Malkin’s return from a devastating knee injury provides hope in the Steel City.
CBS Sports: No. 3
Losing to Edmonton in a shootout probably wasn't the game you would have expected the Penguins to drop on their season-opening three-game road trip through Western Canada, but picking up five of a possible six points through Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton isn't a bad way to start the season. Especially with Evgeni Malkin missing the final game of the trip.