The Pittsburgh Penguins meet the New York Islanders with more than division standings at stake.
The Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing a run against divisional opponents with another matchup against the New York Islanders. The Islanders scored three unanswered goals and stole a 5-4 victory over the Penguins just days ago at UBS Arena. This time, the action returns to PPG Paints Arena, with the Penguins desperate for a win. Here's what to watch for in this Penguins and Islanders showdown.
1. Penguins Can't Win Divisional Contests
The Penguins struggles against the Metropolitan Division have now stretched for nearly a month. The Pens are winless in their last eight games against divisional opponents. Their last win came on December 20th against the New York Rangers. Since then, the Penguins struggles have come to a head against their fellow Metropolitan teams. This game against the Islanders should be the Penguins' most desperate game of the season, and hopefully will snap their eight game winless streak against the Metro.
2. Penguins Must Find Answer for Anders Lee
When thinking of the Islanders offense, the first names that come to mind are Mat Barzal and newcomer Bo Horvat. Often overlooked is their captain, Anders Lee. A seven-time 20 goal scorer, Lee has also reached a 34 and 40-goal season.
Lee is also a perennial thorn in the side of the Penguins, and he made his presence known throughout their previous matchup. Lee netted two goals and added an assist in the Islanders' victory. The Penguins must find a way to neutralize his physical presence if they want any shot at victory.
3. First Line Bounce Back Game
The Penguins are coming off of a 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils. The game was an utter stinker offensively, with Evgeni Malkin providing both goals for the paltry Penguins.
The first line especially struggled, with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel each being on the ice for three goals against and registering zero points. Rickard Rakell was the lone contributor in the game, adding a lone assist.
The Crosby line will look to bounce back in a commanding way against the Islanders. Keeping this line so quiet offensively for two games in a row is unlikely, and the Isles could be in store for an offensive onslaught from the Pens.
The Penguins and Islanders face-off at 7:00 p.m.
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