The Islanders went on a run to the playoffs after beating the Pittsburgh Penguins a year ago today. Now they're back in the Steel City looking to do the same thing again.
The date was Feb. 20, 2023.
The New York Islanders had just suffered a devastating defeat, losing 6-2 to the Boston Bruins at T.D. Garden two days prior and not turned their attention back to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who they beat 5-4 on Feb. 17.
However, the Islanders were without Mathew Barzal, who fell victim to a lower-body injury in that loss to Boston, which forced him out for the remainder of the regular season.
With the playoffs as tight as ever, it was show up or shut up for the Islanders in Pittsburgh. And that they did, beating them 4-2:
The Islanders went 13-7-2 after that win, tightening up their defense and allowing just 2.30 goals against as they snuck into the playoff as the top wild-card spot.
After falling in devastating fashion to the New York Rangers 6-5 in overtime Sunday at MetLife Stadium, the Islanders are back in Pittsburgh, hoping to do exactly what they did a season ago.