SLAP SHOTS

Look out, Loretta, it's a hockey night in Pittsburgh! Your Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the Royal Canadiens of Montreal tonight at Consol Energy Center. As March Madness continues for the Pens, these are your keys to tonight's game. 1)The Pens are 14-2 in their last 16 1-goal games. They are going for a baker's dozen tonight as they seek their 13th consecutive victory. They're riding the second longest winning streak in team history. This is all great news and I don't want to be a downer. However, the last 3 years the Pens have put together big winning streaks late in the season. And each of those seasons, and this one, too, Flower has been clutch. All I'm asking is that you, please, keep something in the tank for the playoff run. I love stacking up wins as much as the next fan, but love Lord Stanley's cup even more. Should I start growing my playoff beard now? 2)The Pens are perched atop the Eastern Conference at 25-8. How's the view from up there, guys? 3) Fleury has won 10 consecutive games on home ice. Again, the Flower is blooming! And please, always remember and don't ever forget, you gotta cue the Crue, too. Goals, Goals, Goals, baby! Let's Go Pens!!!