Pens Points: Crosby Puts "Best Player" Debate to Rest

The Pens are getting an early 4-day break between games, which they are using for practice and getting to know all the new faces.

Down Goes Brown's Top Five/Bottom Five column for this week that has a decent section on the Pens.

Sid was named third star of the first week of the NHL season, behind red-hot Plekanec and Kuemper. Chris Johnston writes about Crosby quickly interrupting the "best player" debate and putting it to rest.

This article about Crosby and his unique shooting style came out a few days ago, but I am linking to it again in case anyone has missed it, it is truly one of the best recent articles on how 87 continues to find ways to elevate his game.

Christian Ehrhoff and his playing style are fitting right in with the new club. So far, it's been a smooth transition for the 32-year-old German defenseman.

One thing the new regime looked for was versatility. Now in addition to universal remote Pascal Dupuis, the team has Blake Comeau and Nick Spaling to play at multiple positions and situation. Comeau's style in particular is a great fir for the new system.

I knew there was a good reason I sent my husband to watch MNF upstairs while I watched Tampa Bay host Montreal. Steven Stamkos had a natural hat trick on 12 shots, Carey Price didn't finish the game, and the Bolts torched the Habs to the tune of 7-1. Among other great plays were this stunning kick save by Anton Stralman and this stretch pass by Victor Hedman, whose 4 points moved him into the NHL scoring lead. A ridiculous defensive pairing right there.

The two Florida teams are definitely headed in different directions. Following paltry attendance at the season opener, the Panthers announced Monday's crowd at 7,311, the lowest in franchise history, though it looked more like 731. That doesn't mean they'll be relocating soon, especially if they luck into Connor McDavid.

Mike Milbury changed his mind and has come out as an advocate for eliminating fighting in hockey. He cites new evidence of lifelong effects of concussions and head injuries as the reason for changing his stance.

The Bruins have had a bit of a slow start, but former forward Jarome Iginla predicts they will be OK.

Here is a fantastic article from Bob McKenzie about how the Rangers ended up drafting 19-year-old forward Anthony Duclair, who currently skates on their top line with Marty St. Louis and Rick Nash, courtesy of Patrick Roy. Duclair is the first NYR player born after they won their last Cup in 1994.

A story about CBC losing Hockey Night in Canada lock, stock and barrel. HNIC is a Canadian instituion - indeed a treat for every fan of the game - and watching the cash-strapped national broadcaster hand over the airwaves and studios to the conquerors really made me sad.

Today is an important day for hockey book readers. New books by two legends of the game are publishing today: Bob McKenzie's book Hockey Confidential: Inside Stories from People Inside The Game and Gordie Howe's book Mr. Hockey: My Story. I have read and own every Gordie Howe book ever published and am excited to read both of these.

For the end, enjoy reading this 20 questions and answers that Wayne Gretzky did with Gordie Howe via email last month to coincide with the publication of the book: From One Legend to Another.