SLAP SHOTS

On Thursday night, the puck drops here as your Pittsburgh Penguins begin the 2014-15 campaign against the Anaheim (Not So Mighty) Ducks. The Pens have many questions to be answered in the Quest for the Cup. Since the Pens are in the hunt for a 4th Cup, Mrs. Black-N-Gold takes a look at 4 Questions.

1)After another early exit from the playoffs last spring, Mario cleaned house by relieving both GM Ray Shero and Coach Dan Bylsma of their duties. The question is, how will the very experienced GM Jim Rutherford and the not-so experienced Mike Johnston, respectively, do in their places? Considering the advanced age of Rutherford, he seems like a short-term GM at best. What kind of continuity does that bring? And although Johnston has coaching experience, he's never been a head coach at the NHL level. Will worlds collide or will the two mesh well in bringing Lord Stanley's Cup back to the 'Burgh?

2)Are the Pens going to continue to be bitten by the injury bug? C Sidney Crosby is coming back from a wrist injury. C Evegeni Malkin hasn't played all preseason and may not be ready for the start of the regular season. D Kris Letang is recovering from a stroke. LW Pascal Dupuis looks to rebound from an ACL tear. D Olli Maatta is healing from a shoulder injury. Did I miss anyone? And that is just the tip of the Iceburgh (pun intended) when it comes to the injuries that marred this club last season. Sure, injuries are part of the game. The Baby Pens did a wonderful job of holding down the fort in the regular season. It all caught up to them in the postseason. Let's hope the Pens can remain healthy this year.

3)Will the changeover in roster be for the better? Word was that LW James Neal was bad for the locker room. Now that he's gone and some new blood has been brought in, how will the Penguins respond? You hate to see the Real Deal leave but now we'll have to see if the newbies are the real deal.

4)How is G Marc-Andre Fleury's head? No, Flower didn't suffer a head injury, at least not externally. I'm referring to the delicate Flower's ever-fragile psyche. It always seems like he's a goal away from a meltdown. If he can't get the Pens deep into the playoffs, could this be it for MAF?

These questions and many more will be answered by our Boys of Winter as the season progresses. Buckle up, baby! It's going to be a wild ride. Let's Go Pens!!!