Penguins rout Leafs in Toronto

That was about as dominating an effort as the Pens have put out since the lockout. The score was only 5-2, but shots were 33-20, and the Penguins burned the Leafs for three powerplay goals. Sidney Crosby had another great night in the faceoff circle, going for 68 percent. Jay McKee blocked seven shots, some of which came on a penalty killing unit that went three for three.

Some particulars...

• Malkin and Crosby played like two superstars playing a glorified AHL team should play. They were the best players on the ice, and the Leafs really had no answer for them all night.
• Matt Cooke, where did that shot come from?
• Jordan Staal is primed for an absolutely monster year. Last year, it took him an eternity to finally start scoring, but once he did, goals came in droves. He's started earlier this year, and if he can just maintain some consistency, 60 points is not out of the question. He has become a force at both ends of the ice.
• Max Talbot looked and sounded good on the FSN broadcast. He'll be a welcome addition whenenver he can make it back, even if the team is hardly struggling without him.
• The entire fourth line fought tonight. Eric Godard, Craig Adams and Mike Rupp all dropped the gloves. The team responded to a good bit of Toronto goonery.
• The Pens are four and one out of the gate. It hasn't always been pretty, but tonight was by far their best effort of the campaign to date.
  

Next up come the new-look Ottawa Senators in Kanata, Ontario on Monday night at 7:30.

(Photo: Getty Images)