PITTSBURGH — The past two seasons, the Pittsburgh Penguins have topped the NHL in scoring. They’ve come up short in the playoffs both times, eliminated with a pair of disappointing early exits.

The Penguins are playing better defense so far this season, and embattled goalie Marc-Andre Fleury is leading the way.

Sidney Crosby and Chuck Kobasew each scored his second goal and Fleury was nearly perfect again, making 20 saves to lead Pittsburgh over the Buffalo Sabres 4-1 on Saturday night.

“I like the way our team has played defense,” Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said. “When it has been difficult, there have been breakdowns or chances, (Fleury) has been up to the task and has been really solid.”

Fleury has sparkled through two games, turning aside 47 of 48 shots. He earned his 250th career victory and 24th shutout in a 3-0 win Thursday against New Jersey, and nearly wound up with consecutive shutouts.

Fleury went 1:15:06 without allowing a goal — the longest shutout streak to begin a season in franchise history — until Thomas Vanek scored at 15:06 of the third period Saturday. It was the seventh straight time Vanek scored against the Penguins.

“As a goalie, it’s always something you like to do,” Fleury said of getting a shutout. “I don’t want to be selfish about it. We got a win and that’s all that matters.”

Craig Adams also scored his second goal, a late empty-netter, and Chris Kunitz converted a penalty shot to help the Penguins open 2-0 for the third straight season. Pittsburgh defenseman Matt Niskanen added two assists and forward Pascal Dupuis, playing in his 800th game, also had an assist.

“I think we’re pretty good as far as our structure defensively,” Crosby said. “That’s usually something that takes a little more time, but I think we’ve looked pretty comfortable with the way we need to play defensively.”

Fleury has been the catalyst.

He has displayed the confidence and poise unseen last spring when he lost the starting job to Tomas Vokoun after compiling a 3.40 goals-against average during an ugly first-round playoff series against the New York Islanders.

Fleury should receive ample opportunity to build his confidence with Vokoun out three to six months due to blood clots in his hips. The defense will be there to help, too.

The Penguins were disciplined in front of Fleury, blocking pucks and limiting Buffalo to 14 shots through two periods — including five in the second. Fleury did his part during a late second-period power play.