For fantasy hockey purposes, the Pittsburgh Penguins offer a plethora of players that are coveted by most fantasy owners because of their explosive offensive capabilities, probably more so than any other NHL team not named the Edmonton Oilers. When you have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin leading the charge, you know you have a good shot.  However, their goaltending has been in question the past few years, therefore the acquisition of veteran Tomas Vokoun the year before.  Vokoun stepped in for the struggling Marc-Andre Fleury in the playoffs and played fairly well.  Dan Bylsma has done a reputable job behind the bench and the players seem to like him.   This team shouldn't struggle to make the playoffs unless they were hit hard by injuries.  But even then they shouldn't have too much difficulty making the post-season. Goalies The one true question mark on this team is their goaltending. Although Fleury has backstopped the team to the Stanley Cup in 2009, which seems like a long time ago.  Ever since, fans and management had been hoping for a dynasty but injuries to key personnel along with the suspect goaltending has made this team more of a playoff enigma than a juggernaut.  Because of Fleury's spotty play in the playoffs, the team brought in Vokoun to help share the workload so that Fleury would remain fresh.  Fleury's career numbers are average with a 2.66 GAA and a .910 SP.  In last year's playoffs, "The Flower" posted a 2-2 record with a 3.51 GAA and a .883 SP in 5 games prompting Bylsma to turn the reigns over to Vokoun, who actually posted some good numbers with a 2.01 GAA and a .933 SP but just ran into a steamrolling Boston Bruin team.  Expect Fleury to get the bulk of playing time, but if he struggles, Byslma will not hesitate to go with Vokoun. Watch how the team plays in front of each net minder early on as that will give you an indication of who they believe in. Defense Kris Letang would be considered the top defenseman to own in most fantasy leagues if not for someone named Erik Karlsson. He has had some injury issues the past few seasons, so hopefully he is over those and can put in a full season.  If fully healthy, we expect him to compete for top scoring defensemen honors, especially with the cast and crew of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  Paul Martin had himself somewhat of a career year by going 6-17-23 in 34 games.  Martin should chip in with some points but it will be mostly Letang getting the bulk of power play time.  Matt Niskanen seems to be on everyone's tradable list but his value is very important since Letang has those injury issues lately.  A good depth pick.  Rob Scuderi returns mainly for his defensive prowess so don't expect points out of this d-man.  Brooks Orpik is a solid defender who was solid last season as usual, so expect more of the same.  Simon Despres has some abilities but will soon be pressed for a spot from the emerging rookie class of defensemen the Pens now have waiting in the wings. Forwards What can you really say that hasn't been said already about the best player in the NHL? Crosby should lead the league in scoring. Expect him to miss a few games because he does have a tendency to get banged up a bit.  Malkin has shown in the past that when Crosby is out, he is willing and able to carry the team on his back.  Some think he is better than Crosby.  Neal has been a perfect addition to play alongside Malkin and I'm sure Dallas has regretted that trade since they first agreed to it.  Forty goals is not out of the question for Mr. Neal.  Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz have found their meal ticket in the NHL and his name is Crosby.  These two have the knack and presence to know where to be for the best player in the NHL.  The only thing is Kunitz is very streaky, but when he's hot, he's usually on fire.  Brandon Sutter provides solid 3rd line minutes and will chip in with some points here-and-there but only fantasy worthy in deep leagues. Dustin Jeffrey has had some time in the NHL and perhaps this is his time.  He will have to battle Jussi Jokinen who is playing for a contract. Prospects With the name of the game offense in Pittsburgh, the Pens are loaded on D on the farm with past selections such as Derrick Pouliot, Olli Maata and Robert Bortuzzo. The first two pack some offensive punch and Bortuzzo is skilled on the defensive side.  Bortuzzo will probably make the club while the other 2 might see some spot time in the NHL but need a few years of seasoning.  The only forward remotely close to playing in the NHL is RW Beau Bennett, who actually saw some action last year playing in 26 games.  Bennett went 3-11-14 in those 26 games but may see another season in the AHL unless he is needed to fill in for an injury. Overall Fantasy Outlook There is hardly any doubt that the Penguins won't be in the post-season, but what everyone's concern is that their goaltending is suspect. But as far as fantasy players are concerned, the playoffs don't mean much because it's the regular season production that counts.  The Pens will battle for top spot in the Metropolitan Division and will make the playoffs but unless the goaltenders stand on their heads, which they are capable of, then they won't go far as evidenced by their past 2 years performances in the first round against the Islanders and Flyers.  Crosby and Malkin are pretty much locks for 100+ point seasons and Neal and Kunitz will get you close to 30 goals if not more in the case of Neal.  Dupuis seems to enjoy playing with Crosby, who wouldn't, so another solid contribution should be forthcoming.  Letang is one of the top d-men in the league as far as point production, so rank him highly.  Anything can happen once the playoffs start, but there are just too many solid goaltenders to get through on the way to the Stanley Cup.