SLAP SHOTS

It's a great day for hockey. Your Pittsburgh Penguins are off to a great start (except for that little three-game skid and that speed bump at MSG on Wednesday night vs. the Strangers), meaning every day is a great day for hockey. The Penguins have a commanding lead in the new Metropolitan Division, in the Eastern Conference. Their 22 points are 6 better than the nearest team, the Washington Craps. As a matter of fact, the Pens lead all of the Eastern Conference (Tampa Bay, Toronto and Detroit are tied for the lead in the Atlantic Division with 20 points). Captain Sidney Crosby is having another MVP-type season, leading the league with 23 points. Sid and winger Chris Kuntiz share the team lead with 8 goals each. Much-maligned goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is tied atop the NHL with 10 victories. The Pens are also seeing encouraging signs from rookies D Olli Maatta and forward Jason Megna. Even rookie G Jeff Zatkoff is getting in on the action, picking up his first NHL-win last week. The Pens have suffered their share of injuries in the early going. D Kris Letang is back in action but D Rob Scuderi in now on IR. C Evgeni Malkin continues his low production as he waits for linemate James Neal to return from injury. That should be soon as the Real Deal has been spotted skating at recent practices. The regular season is a marathon, not a sprint but Pens fans have to be optimistic about their hot start. Just wait until they get the rest of their weapons back in action. Things will really heat up then. Let's Go Pens!!!