Pens Points: Star Power Brings Fire Power

Good morning one and all,

The Pens brought out the big guns in the second preseason game and the goals came early and often. The top line and the top pairing looked unstoppable. [Trib]

Here are the three key impressions including an impressive showing from Daniel Sprong, who continues to build on his excellent showing in London, Ont. [Penguins]

Olli Maatta returned to the lineup and it's as if he never left. Can he be the Paul Martin-type partner to unleash Letang's offensive capabilities? I certainly think so. [Trib]

Is Chris Kunitz going to be the weak link on the top line? What will his production look like this season? He needs to find his scoring touch again in order to remain up top. [Trib]

Otherwise, a fit and healthy David Perron is waiting in the wings. In the end, it is up to Perron to prove he is worthy of one of two LW spots. [Penguins]

Phil Kessel only scored two goals in his Pens debut. What a scrub. JK, that was awesome and I think just a preview of what's to come. [PPG]

Mike Johnston saw a lot to like about Kessel's game, primarily his ability to get open and score like a good wideout. [PPG]

Pens TV crew won three Emmys at the Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards held over the weekend. In The Room won for the best Sports Program Series. Congratulations guys and thanks for all the great work. [Penguins]

In other NHL news, lawyers for Patrick Kane's accuser will hold a news conference in Buffalo today at noon. [AP]

Defenseman Erik Johnson signed a 7-year contract extension with the Avs with a reported AAV of $6M. [NHL]

John Tortorella will coach Team USA in 2016 World Cup of Hockey. I know, I know, everybody had one big groan when they heard that. But, seriously, why not? [ESPN]

Mike Babcock wants the Leafs to look like the Red Wings. Okay, let's see it and certainly that would be better than looking like the Leafs have looked. [Globe & Mail]

Down Goes Brown has ranked all 30 NHL teams based on their Stanley Cup-winning odds in the next five years. Part 1 (30-21) is here. [Grantland]

Claude Giroux and Bobby Ryan had a shooting accuracy contest and it was the most awesome thing I've seen in a while. Too bad Bobby Ryan doesn't play in Philly because those two together would be dynamite. Heavy chirping and lots of fun in this video. [Gongshow Gear]