Let's take a quick look at their last 15 games

Anze Kopitar leads the league in points with Ryan Smith not far behind.The Kings are finally coming together and part of their puzzle was solved when they acquired "the piece" from Pittsburgh. The Kings defense has decidedly improved since the addition of Rob Scuderi this past summer.San Jose leads the Pacific Division and trails Colorado in the Western Conference by a single point. San Jose has been a Western powerhouse since the lockout but has choked consistently in the playoffs.Could this be their yearThese guys know how to play hockey and win games. Joe Thornton currently leads the league in assists, Patrick Marleau has 21 points (good for third in points behind Ovechkin), and Dany Heatley has found a home he likes and rounds out these top scorers in 11th place on the league leader list.That brings me to the Penguins.Let's take a quick look at their last 15 games. That was Game Seven of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.This season, the Penguins have shown little sign of letting up.

After a disappointing preseason, Pittsburgh has a record of 11-3 and is currently on top of the league with a game-in-hand on Colorado. For the first time in recent history, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are not topping the points chart. Crosby is tied for third in the plus-minus column and has nine goals. Tyler Kennedy leads the league with three game-winning goals.Pittsburgh's superstars might not be putting up tons of points, but the team is playing together as a winning team.

All but two players on the roster have made the score sheet and eight players have three or more goals. Only four players reside on the minus end of the plus-minus rating.If you ask me, I'd also add that this is a team that hasn't even played to their potential this season.The problem for the Penguins recently has been injuries. Everyone knew Maxime Talbot, the hero of Game Seven (Did I mention the Penguins won the Stanley Cup), would be out for a few months after undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason. When Sarge is playing, you can just feel the comfort level is higher.Malkin is out for a few weeks with a shoulder problem It was showing in a couple of games before he sat out. I also suspect he was a little under the weather for a few games.