The NY Islanders (2-2-1) hope to get back on track after a disheartening loss when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins (3-2-0) on Tuesday.
The Islanders held a 4-2 lead with 10 minutes to go in the third before blowing the lead and losing in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets. The team finally got some scoring from its top line as John Tavares had a goal and two assists while Matt Moulson and Kyle Okposo combined for three points. However, the team was outplayed for the majority of the game and managed the single point thanks to the strong play of goalie Evgeni Nabokov. After the loss coach Jack Capuano threatened to break up the top line and commented that despite the offensive display, "they were not much better."
The Islanders will face off against a hungry Pittsburgh Penguins team that is coming off a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. The Penguins' offense has been shut down in the last three games after scoring nine goals in the first two games. Since then, the Penguins have only scored five times in three games; three of the goals were scored by superstar Sidney Crosby.
The teams met six times last year and the Penguins won four out of the six. Three matches from last season's series stand out. On Nov. 21, Sidney Crosby made his return after months of absence and put up four points against the Islanders in a 5-0 win that was broadcast on national television. However on March 27 and 29, the NY Islanders defeated the Penguins in two straight back-to-backs that shattered the Penguins' dreams of winning the Atlantic division.
Predictions: Neither team has looked great, but the Penguins usually have their way with the Islanders at home. Pittsburgh wins 4-1.
Start Time: 7:30 PM EST
TV: NBC Sports Network
Follow Live Score and Updates HERE.