The Pittsburgh Penguins played in and lost a second straight meaningless Game 82.

PITTSBURGH – During an off day, the Pittsburgh Penguins learned of their fate and will not be eligible to battle in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs. For the second straight year, the Penguins are taking part in a meaningless Game 82.

Despite no implications, the Penguins had a few things to play for against the New York Islanders. Evgeni Malkin needed a hat trick for 500 goals in his career, Sidney Crosby was two points shy of notching the most ever by a 36-year-old player, and it was possibly the final game of Jeff Carter’s career.

First Period

While Carter hasn’t spoken about his future, Crosby moved to the wing and let Carter take the opening faceoff—a classy gesture by Crosby and likely a good indication of what’s to come from Carter.

The Islanders opened the scoring with an early goal from noted Penguin killer Brock Nelson. Even with no meaning in the contest, the Penguins started Alex Nedeljkovic in goal for the 13^th straight game.

The Penguins started pretty slow but managed to kick things into gear while down by one. Rickard Rakell scored to tie the game with about a minute and a half left in the opening frame. While tied at one, the Penguins finished the first period with 17 shots on goal to the Islanders 12.

Second Period

To kick off the second period, the Penguins kept their foot on the pedal, picking up nine shots to the Islanders’ one. On their ninth shot, Malkin picked up a power play goal to put the Penguins ahead 2-1.

The goal was reviewed for a possible kicking motion from Malkin, but it was eventually upheld as a good goal.

Valtteri Puustinen appeared to score what looked like the Penguins’ third goal of the game, but after an Islanders challenge, it was determined Puustinen was offside. The Islanders took advantage of still being behind by one and scored their second goal of the night to tie the score.

It didn’t take long for Puustinen to get his goal back as he scored one that would count a little over a minute later. Puustinen kept track of a loose puck in the slot and let go a perfect shot to give the Penguins a 3-2 lead.

With time winding down on the second frame, the Islanders again knotted the score with a power play tally. The Penguins challenged for a missed high stick, but the goal held up, and the second intermission arrived with the score tied at three.

Third Period

Entering the final frame of the season, the Penguins looked to close out their year on the right note. Despite the Penguins looking for a strong period, the Islanders capitalized on a power play chance in the opening minute.

The Penguins failed challenge cost them a delay of game penalty and the Islanders just needed to sit through intermission to score on the man advantage.

While trailing by a goal, the Penguins were given another power play chance and they decided to give a special player an extra chance. Carter joined the top power play unit in hopes of potting a goal in what looks to be the final game of his career.

After a few efforts, Carter got some space in the crease and banked home a perfect pass from Sidney Crosby for his 442nd and possibly last career goal.

The Islanders wouldn't go down without a fight as they continued preparing for the postseason. They scored their fifth of the night to take the regain the lead for the third time.

The Penguins pulled Nedeljkovic looking for some magic to cap off the year. Despite having a ton of possession, the Penguins couldn't contain bounces and eventually were given a penalty shot because an Islander skater covered the puck in the crease.

With 30 seconds remaining in the game, the penalty shot was taken by Crosby. Sorokin got the better of Crosby and they held on for the 5-4 win.

The Penguins had a mostly disappointing season and it ended with another tough loss.

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