The Pittsburgh Penguins head into Game 4 of their series against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight with an impressive 11-1 playoff record, but the players aren't alone in scoring big victories.

The team's management has two recent wins as well, first with an OK from the city planning commission of its designs for a new arena and then in a deal with the Hill District's One Hill Community Benefits Agreement Coalition.

The planning commissioners were unhappy with earlier drawings of the arena but gave their approval this month after refinements improved the design. The architects, HOK Sport, opened up a staircase at the Centre Avenue side with windows, staggered the size of the storefronts on Fifth Avenue and varied the look of the building facing the Hill District by integrating siding with the bricks.

The changes, plus a look at drawings showing the facility lit up on game nights, were enough to win over the commission. The new arena won't match the uniqueness of the current Mellon Arena, but it should be state-of-the-art with amenities for visitors and players alike.

Negotiating the benefits agreement, the first for this region, was no less challenging than facing a three-man rush on the ice.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato committed early to such a plan, which ensures spin-off improvements for a neighborhood when a regional facility is built.

They recognized the real and serious concerns that existed in the Hill due to the disastrous gutting of the neighborhood before the arena opened in 1961. Back in January, when a resident demonstrated great dissatisfaction with a proposal by setting it on fire, the chances for reaching a deal looked as dim as being down 3-0 in a best-of-seven series.

But the governmental officials soldiered on, the Pens management joined in at crucial stages and the leaders of One Hill sold their members on the pact.

The member groups voted 58-13 for the deal, which puts the promises in writing and therefore makes them more likely to stick. They include $2 million, including $1 million from the Penguins, to finance a grocery store; creation of a neighborhood partnership program that will give businesses state tax credits for contributing to development projects; and preference to Hill District residents for arena-related jobs.

The team has made significant progress both on and off the ice and still faces hard work ahead. Let's keep that winning form.

Go, Pens.