The Pittsburgh Penguins have points in 10 straight games (8-0-2) but haven't been able to separate themselves in the Metropolitan Division from the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have won a franchise record 10 consecutive games. That puts added emphasis on the first game between the two this season Thursday. The Penguins and idle New York Rangers have 47 points, one more than the Blue Jackets, who can move into the division lead with a victory. "We're excited. This is a real good team we're playing," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. "I know our players are well aware of it. It's two of the teams that have the better records in the League so far. They just happen to be in the same division." The Penguins are coming off a 7-2 victory against the Rangers on Tuesday and count the Philadelphia Flyers as their top rival, but the games with Columbus usually have a gritty tone of their own. "Anytime we come in here it's intense," Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said. "You always look at games like this, within the division, against a team that's usually pretty physical and intense; I think you have all the motivation there." The Penguins are the top scoring team in the NHL (3.46 goals per game) and the Blue Jackets are second at 3.30. "It's a good measuring stick for both teams, so it should be a playoff-type game," Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz said.
