Oct 12, 2006 3 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Unlike last season, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ offseason acquisitions are providing an immediate boost. Last year, the Penguins struggled to the worst record in the Eastern Conference after adding four free agents who combined for more than 1,300 goals and 1,700 assists in their careers. This season general manager Ray Shero added three forwards and a defenseman, just as predecessor Craig Patrick did, and the results have been starkly different.

Early returns suggest forwards Jarkko Ruutu, Nils Ekman and Dominic Moore and defenseman Mark Eaton might bring much more to the Penguins than Ziggy Palffy, John LeClair, Mark Recchi and Sergei Gonchar did in 2005-06.

“They add what probably we didn’t have last year,” coach Michel Therrien said.

The four new players have combined for four points and a plus-three rating in two games. But their expected contributions go beyond offense.

“We all know why we’re out there,” star center Sidney Crosby said. “We have to play within our roles. That’s how you win hockey games. That’s how you become a team.”

This season, the Penguins seem to be playing more like a team. “I think it’s probably been made easier that there’s so many new faces; it was kind of like we were all in the same boat,” Eaton said.

Of the new veterans, Ekman is expected to add the most offensively. He is coming off a 57-point season in San Jose and has been paired on the top line with Crosby and Colby Armstrong in the first two games. “It’s always a transition, always a learning process when you join a new team,” Ekman said.

Moore has centered the team’s third line with Ruutu and Michel Ouellet – a group that has the potential to score a combined 50 goals. “I think we’ve developed a chemistry,” Moore said. “We have a style where we try to make plays at both ends of the ice.”

The new Penguins seem to get along well with the rest of the team, laughing during practice drills and joking in the locker room.

“It takes a little time to get to know the guys, but these guys are really good in here, so that’s helped a lot,” said Ruutu, who had a goal and an assist opening night.

NOTES: The Penguins face the New York Rangers on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. … Evgeni Malkin practiced with the team Wednesday. He is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Therrien said there is no change in Malkin’s status and that he will be re-evaluated next week. … Crosby bruised his hand Tuesday but practiced Wednesday and said he will play Thursday. … Ekman, out since pulling a hamstring in practice Monday, was back Wednesday and is expected to play in New York.