Pens Points: Let's All Play Like Beau

Good morning one and all,

As Pens drop another game to start the season 0-3-0 for the first time in 10 years, they are one of seven teams with zero points through the season's first week, joining Boston, Columbus, New Jersey, Edmonton, and Carolina. Recap of last night's goings-on around the league. [SB Nation]

Five key takeaways in how the Canadiens and Carey Price managed to contain the Pens and shut down Crosby. [Sportsnet]

One of the few bright spots last night and through first few games was Beau Bennett. Losses aside, it is good to see this kid play so well and to see a smile on his face. [Trib]

How concerned should we be about the worst start since Crosby's rookie season, and what needs to be adjusted? [Hockey Buzz]

The Oilers surrendered 52 shots to the Stars but at least Connor McDavid scored his first NHL goal. [SportsNet]

Why are NHL teams being so secretive about genetic testing? A well-informed article on this and the guy who leads the way, as usual, Gary Roberts. [THN]

A really great story of a 33-year-old Russian rookie Evgeny Medvedev's journey to the NHL. "Like a dog, you can understand but can’t say." [Sports Illustrated]

Colorado Avalanche haven't started out too hot, and one player in particular, relatively under-appreciated Tyson Barrie, needs some help from coaches on the way to success. [TSN]

Hockey is said to be a young man's game, but who are the oldest players in the NHL this season? [Pro Hockey Talk]

JJ is probably 100% serious (and why not) when he says he can comfortably play until he's 50. Watch out Gordie Howe. [CBS Sports]

Elliotte Friedman's 30 Thoughts addresses the aftermath of the Mike Richards settlement and many other current topics. [Sportsnet]

Like Stamkos, Jon Cooper also in final year of deal. It's believed talks have already begun on potential extension. [Tampa Bay Times]

Here are your 2015 ultimate standings of 122 franchises in top four North American professional leagues. Tampa Bay Lightning is the best hockey franchise at #3 overall, and #122 at the tail end is also a hockey team. [ESPN The Mag]

This excerpt focuses on the 30 hockey teams in the list above and explains how the criteria factored in each franchise's ranking. [ESPN]

*They even have a whole article devoted solely to what dropped the Penguins rank 6 spots comparing to last year. Coaching is ranked low as well as many other factors, including affordability. Fan expectations aren't helping either. [ESPN]

For the end, I would have preferred if the Pens had made smoked meat out of Jeff Petry last night, but instead we're going to watch his smoked meat poutine commercial. [Habs EOTP]