Has the Penguins' puck handling and passing just gotten more amazing?

I have to disagree there.... when you watch both Crosby and Malkin make moves where they are 4 on 1 against defense and still taking it to the net that says a lot for their skills and puck handling in general. Their passing game has stepped up immensely as they've matured this year. The interference changes effect the actions from the defencemen in general, in front of the net more then anything. The change in the stick rules or actually the idea that they're calling what supposedly was on the books before regarding using the stick for anything but moving the puck has created a huge need for the players themself to learn how to not only carry the puck but move it in and out of the play area with ease. You're right, the skill has to be there.. but that skill is built upon and the changes since the beginning of the year have been amazing in itself. I'm not seeing that type of stick/puck handling all across the board. Ovechkin is one of the newbies that has the ability and while he's good, he's not a "pretty" player. He can take it to the net when needed and shoots like a pro but taking it there isn't an art for him. It just happens. These kids in Pittsburgh are truly making even some of the oldest of players take notice in their puck handling skills.

There is great talent in the leaggue now and there are superstars but then look and see if this group of young stars can keep the numbers there or if they are jsut tryign to make names for them selves.

Crosby has proven he's only getting better. This is year 2 for him. Then again look at Jagar. He was a master when he played with Mario but when he split Jagar seemed to start a downward spiral. He's good, don't get me wrong, but before he was exceptionally good. There definitely is an amazing amount of skill in the league for sure and the young age of the incoming players seems to be a huge reason. I kind of like it and the touch of seasoned veterans seems to be just the right combination.