The Pittsburgh Penguins are off to a 2-0-2 start, which is a surprise due the team’s history of coming out of the gate a little slow and the absence of the “two-headed monster” of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. 

Someone who has stepped up is defensemen John Marino. In four games, he has a point in each one. He has shown net front presence, and good ability to pass the puck. 

In has career, he has played 112 games and has 43 points, which for a third-year defenseman is a sign for good potential. 

Another player who has stepped up is seventh-year left wing Brock McGinn, who is a first-year Penguin. 

He was signed by the Pens this offseason from Carolina. His whole career he’s been a low-scoring winger, and he has only played one full season due to struggles to stay healthy. The highest career points he has in a season is 30, but he is on track to beat that. 

Finally, any discussion about the Pens’ strong start must mention Tristan Jarry and the turnaround from the last time fans saw him.

Jarry is 2-0-0 with one overtime loss. He has a 94 percent save percentage and has allowed just five goals in three games. He has been moving well in the crease, and his glove side as of right now looks good. 

The biggest downside to the Penguins this season is their lack of offense at times. 

They pass too much when they should be taking shots. They try to create opportunities — and sometimes do — however, they don’t capitalize on them. 

On top of all of this, Jeff Carter and Jarry have both just been placed on the COVID-19 list. 

The Pens play Saturday against the Maple Leafs, and fans will see if their good early season play continues.