Media members have asked him about it and analyzed it. The NHL has honored him for it.

Still, Penguins center and captain Sidney Crosby doesn't have a whole lot to say about it.

"It's nice. It was a good week," he said yesterday of the run of six goals, three assists for nine points in three games that earned him the league's first star for last week.

"I think I'm playing well and taking advantage of my chances when I get them. I could still get a few more."

The surge -- which can be extended to seven goals, 12 points over the past five games -- pushed Crosby to second in the NHL scoring race with 34 points going into last night. He trailed only teammate Evgeni Malkin, who has 39 points

Malkin also got rewarded. He was named second star for November by the NHL. He had seven goals, 23 points in 12 games during the month.

The Penguins were 9-2-1 in November.

"[It's] not me. Sid plays very well," Malkin said, smiling. "I feel good. The team is playing great."

There are stops at red lights that last longer than Dany Sabourin's new goaltender helmet.

Sabourin debuted a 2008-09 model Wednesday featuring frogs. He got pulled from that game against the Islanders in New York in the second period after giving up three goals on 14 shots. The Penguins came back in the third period for a 5-3 win behind rookie goaltender John Curry, but Sabourin decided to deep-six the unlucky helmet.

For a 4-1 win Saturday against New Jersey, Sabourin returned to the helmet he wore last year and was using this season before the new one arrived. He said he's sticking with that one, presumably including tomorrow night against the Rangers in New York.

Defenseman Philippe Boucher did not skate or practice and remains day to day with an undisclosed injury. ... Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, recovering from an apparent leg injury, skated before practice. ... Defenseman Ryan Whitney, recovering from offseason foot surgery, is taking a short leave from the team to travel to have custom skates fitted. He is expected to rejoin the Penguins in New York. ... Fans set records by donating 3,368 toys and more than $11,000 during the team's annual holiday toy drive the past two Saturday games.