Lead Pass

Games of Note Philly at Dallas, Wednesday, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN2: Both haven't exactly looked like champs early on. The Stars could use a boost at home, while the Flyers will see if they can beat a decent team without John LeClair, who stayed in Philly to get treatment on his ailing back. New Jersey at Ottawa, Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET: On most preseason lists, New Jersey likely got the top nod, but there's little question the Senators, with Alexei Yashin, are one of the elite teams in the East. Ottawa had a nice home victory against Dallas last Saturday and want to build on that. If the Senators can play around .500 against the Dallases and New Jerseys of the NHL world -- and beat up on the creampuffs -- they should challenge for the Northeast title. NY Rangers at Pittsburgh, Wednesday, 7 p.m. ET: The Penguins should be rested and ready after their two-game stint in Japan, where they went 1-1 and really only played one solid period. These division rivals need to establish an identity, especially with new coaches. There's a little more pressure on New York not only because of their market but also because the Rangers made so many changes this offseason. Chemistry will be better, but it will take time. Frozen Ponderings Regardless of the results of Mark Messier's return to the Rangers, one thing remains clear: Theo Fleury needs to produce. If Fleury doesn't reach the 30-goal range, the team won't have the depth to be legit contenders. ... If the Avs don't at least make the finals, fingers will point in coach Bob Hartley's direction. This team is too talented to underachieve, and it is the coach's job to ensure that doesn't happen. ... Watch out for Buffalo, especially if they can get Mike Peca to sign before the holidays. Doug Gilmour looks great, and the Sabres can score for the first time in a few years. -- Brian A. Shactman

Early in the season, the Blues' Scott Young usually plays like a bear, groggy just after hibernation. It takes a little while for him to shake off the cobwebs and realize where the heck he is -- smack dab into the NHL season.

But 2000 is a different year, and clearly, this is a different Scott Young.

In four games, the 33-year-old wing has six goals, including two Wednesday night against the Kings. To put that in perspective, four times in his career, Young needed 20 or more games just to get five goals. Twice, he needed 26 games. Only once has he scored five in less than 10 games -- it took him eight in '96-97.

So, what's the difference with him? Is it just a little good luck and a few early bounces?

No, according to St. Louis general manager Larry Pleau.

"From Day 1 of camp, Scotty seemed emotionally involved and very focused," Pleau said of the 13-season veteran. "Whether it's because of his situation in his career or in life, he just seems comfortable with his role on the team."

For Young to reverse his early season history of being a notorious slow starter, that's a good thing for more than just himself. The team benefits, as well. After losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Sharks, a strong start was crucial. Young's production, especially his two power-play goals, takes a lot of pressure off Pierre Turgeon and Pavol Demitra, two high-profile players who missed a decent amount of games a year ago and could use a little time to get going.

It also sets the tone for the young players, sending the message that it's time to forget last season and move on.

Although Pleau is pleased with Young's start, he knows the veteran -- who won a Cup with the Avs in 1996 -- has always been a streaky scorer.

"He's very streaky," Pleau said. "I don't really get involved directly with the players, but I told him his consistency is better than it has been in the past.

"I don't think anyone can keep up the pace he 's on now, but we love seeing him keep his feet moving with his (current) confidence level."

Mailbag
During the season, I'll try to answer a question or two from ESPN.com users for every edition of In the Corners. If you want to get a question answered, click here and ask away.

Question from Sean McNeill of Denver, Colo.: What is your take on the increased number of penalties being called early on this season?

Response: The whole goal is to force the players to adjust the way they play, so eventually the number of calls will go back to "normal." The irony is that the game's flow is being disrupted in the short term, to make it better in the long term. It should work OK, as long as the referees don't get soft in the playoffs. If they revert back to letting certain things go, all this work right now will be a waste of time.