PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins are 2-0-0 as they begin their defense of the Stanley Cup, and perhaps that shouldnt be a surprise.If theres anything the Penguins know how to do -- no matter the roster or the identity of the coach -- its how to follow up after winning a championship.After beating the Detroit Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup in 2009, Pittsburgh started out 9-1-0 in 2009-10. When captain Mario Lemieuxs Penguins began their quest for a third straight Cup in 1992-93, they opened up with 11 wins and two ties in their first 14 games.The current-day Penguins go for their third straight win at the newly renamed PPG Paints Arena on Monday night when they face the Colorado Avalanche (1-0). The Avalanche debuted under new coach Jared Bednar by beating the Dallas Stars, 6-5, on Saturday behind Joe Colbornes three goals.Colorado knows it has to stop getting off to the poor starts it experienced under former coach Patrick Roy over the previous two seasons. The Avalanche lost six of their first eight last season and eight of their first 10 in 2014-15, which forced them to try to play catch-up the rest of both seasons -- and they never caught up.Bednar liked how his team responded to a 2-0 deficit with five consecutive goals, though he wasnt happy that the 5-2 lead later became only a 5-4 margin.I liked the way we played offensively. I thought we were skating and on our toes, creating chances. (But) I think we have to get better defensively, Bednar said. We made some mistakes defensively up ice that gave them some numbers and gave them some scoring chances early in the game, and also a bit later.Bednar is learning how to coach in the NHL on the fly -- literally. He wasnt named the head coach until Aug. 25 following Roys unexpected resignation. Bednar barely had two weeks to get ready for training camp and to learn the league.Penguins coach Mike Sullivan can relate to that. Like Bednar, who won titles in the American Hockey League and ECHL, he was coaching in the minors last season when he was hired Dec. 12 to replace Mike Johnston in Pittsburgh.Thats why Sullivan said, more than 10 months later, the Penguins still are learning his style, even after winning the Stanley Cup with a half dozen of his former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton players in their room.What I like about this group is, over time, we have a better understanding of how to play in one-goal games, Sullivan said following a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday night. Were still trying to score, still trying to play with speed, but I think our guys are making good decisions and forcing our opponents to play that 200-foot game. Were hard to play against in that regard. I think thats when our team is at its best. Our guys have bought in.Marc-Andre Fleury is proving to be hard to play against, too. After barely playing since late March, when he sustained his second concussion of the season, Fleury has stopped 73 of 77 shots and posted a 1.92 goals-against average.Its been fun, said Fleury, who lost his starting job to the currently injured Matt Murray just before the playoffs began. I wanted those games in the preseason (to get accustomed to playing again). I wasnt as sharp as Id like to be. There still are things I want to get better at, but not right now. I feel better now than I did at camp.Colborne, a former University of Denver player, is feeling better the longer he gets accustomed to being with the Avalanche, He had 19 goals while playing for Calgary last season.Colborne and Real Cloutier (1979) are the only players in franchise history to get a hat trick in their first game with the team.The three goals, (thats) probably the way Im going to score most of them, and Im just fine with that, Colborne said. Its my job and something I take pride in, going to those tough areas and making them try to drag me down, draw some penalties and hopefully bury some.The Penguins, who had the day off Sunday as they play three games in four nights, already are making some adjustments as they compete without captain Sidney Crosby (concussion).On Saturday, Sullivan moved forward Conor Sheary to right wing on Matt Cullens wing, with Chris Kunitz on the left. Right wing Patric Hornqvist shifted to center Evgeni Malkins line so Scott Wilson could play on his natural left side. Sheary responded with a goal and a number of scoring opportunities.Youre kind of hitting yourself for not burying a couple of those, Sheary said. But its a good sign when youre getting a lot of chances.Bednar will switch goalies Monday, from Semyon Varlamov to backup Calvin Pickard, who stopped 47 of 48 shots in 1-0 Avalanche overtime loss in Pittsburgh on Dec. 18, 2014. Varlamov will start Tuesday against his former team, the Washington Capitals.The Penguins were 2-0 against Colorado last season, winning 4-3 on Nov. 19 in Pittsburgh and 4-2 at Colorado on Dec. 9, Johnstons last victory as coach. Adam Eaton Jersey . Canada is now down to its 22-player limit, although but players wont be registered until Christmas Day. Changes could still be made as a result of a suspension or injury. Victor Robles Jersey .In my heart and mind Im competing for India, luge competitor Shiva Keshavan told The Associated Press in an email interview. Every day Im flooded with messages from Indians all over the world telling me they are supporting me. https://www.cheapnationals.com/707r-sean-doolittle-jersey-nationals.html . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. Fernando Rodney Jersey . On Tuesday, Ottawa placed forward Cory Conacher and defenceman Joe Corvo on waivers as trade rumours swirl around the Senators. Aaron Barrett Nationals Jersey . Halifax beat the Saint John Sea Dogs 7-5 on the strength of two goals apiece from Nikolaj Ehlers, Matt Murphy and Brent Andrews. Jonathan Drouin also scored and had three assists while Zachary Fucale made 17 saves for the Mooseheads (16-8-0), who led 6-1 after two periods.TORONTO -- Quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell, who guided the Calgary Stampeders to victory in his debut as a CFL starter, was named the offensive player of the week Wednesday. Mitchell was 29-of-33 passing for 376 yards and three TDs in a 37-24 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Mitchell also ran six times for 12 yards. Montreal linebacker Kyries Hebert was named the top defensive player. He had 10 tackles and two ssacks in the Alouettes 32-27 win over Edmonton and has a league-high seven sacks this season.dddddddddddd Teammate Sean Whyte was the top special-teams player. The Alouettes kicker hit all six of his field goals against Edmonton. Alouettes linebacker Shea Emry was named the top Canadian. The native of Richmond, B.C., had two interceptions against Edmonton, returning one 21 yards for a touchdown. ' ' '