Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders
This game is so huge, that it may just very well determine who gets into the Playoffs and who misses out.
The Penguins play NYI, New Jersey and NYI in their next three games, so it’s safe to say that, come Feb21.2023, we should all know exactly who the Penguins are and where they stand.
These are 3, Four Points Games, all with a Playoff feel to them and will have a direct impact on the standings.
Are the Penguins contenders or pretenders?
Are the Islanders ready to make a charge, up the standings?
Are the Devils ready to collapse yet?
Will the Penguins Goaltending hold up in these games?
The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the New York Islanders
Tonight’s Game by The Numbers…
Puck Drop 6pm est.
Location: UBS Arena – Belmount Park, New York
Pittsburgh Penguins Record as of Feb 17.2023
27-17-9 = 63 pts
4th – in the Metropolitan Division
7th – in Eastern Conference
13th -Tied Overall in NHL
Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #1 Wild Card Playoff Spot, Eastern Conference.
As of Nov18.2022…the Penguins were…
7-7-3 = 17 Pts (as of Nov18.22)
5th in Metropolitan Division
10th in Eastern Conference (Note: there are many teams tied with points)
18th Overall in NHL
The Penguins have improved somewhat from November, however, are playing below expectations….still.
Vs
New York Islanders Record as of Feb 17.2023
27-23-7 = 61 pts
6th – in the Metropolitan Division
9th in the Eastern 5onference (ties)
15th -Tied Overall in NHL
New York Islanders are 1 point out of the final #2 Wild Card Playoff spot, Eastern Conference.
The Penguins lost to the Islanders on Dec 27th by a score of 5-1. Jarry picked up the loss and the Penguins have been inconsistent since this kickin’.
The islanders made the biggest splash so far leading up to the NHL trade Deadline. Picking up Bo Horvat has made the NHL stand up and take notice. The Islanders are serious.
The Penguins are waiting…for what, I do not know.
The Capitals, Panthers, Islanders, Red Wings and even Buffalo, are all stalking the Penguins as we speak.
Both the Penguins and the Islanders have performed below expectations so far this year. They also know that the game gets incrementally tougher, from now until June. It’s as if the Playoffs begin tonight…! Game On.
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Keep an Eye On
Crosby #87 F 24G-41A-65 Pts 52.8% Faceoff Win%
Malkin #71 F 19G-35A-54 Pts 50.5% Faceoff Win%
Guentzel #59 F 23G-26A-49 Pts 58.3% Faceoff Win%
Penguins Key Injuries
Jarry #35 G Jan 23.23 DTD Lower Body
Friedman #52 D Feb12.23 DTD Upper Body
Rutta #44 D Jan15.23 IR Upper Body
Penguins News and Notes
The Good
The Penguins have won 3 of their last 4 games, since the All-Star break. Picking up 4 out of a possible 6 points, on a mini West Coast swing, did wonders in the standings.
DeSmith has won more than he has lost, since coming out of the All-Star break. It looks like Penguins are going to sink or swim with DeSmith.
Crosby has been the only consistent bright spot for the Penguins, this year.
The Bad
Goaltender Injuries are still holding the Penguins back.
Team Turnovers and a lack of focus for 60 minutes still exist on a nightly basis.
These issues will send them golfing this year.
NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Keep an Eye On
Nelson #29 F 22G-30A-52 Pts 47.9% Faceoff %
Horvat #14 F 34G-24A-58 Pts 55.7% Faceoff %
Sorokin #30 G .923 Save % (5th) as well as 2.40 GAA (7th)
Key Injuries
Pageau 44 F Feb13.23 DTD Upper Body
Clutterbuck #15 F Jan 18.23 IR Upper Body
NYI News and Notes
The Good
They made the trade, they feel, will propel them into the playoffs. They have the Goaltenders to win it all.
The Bad
They have some key peeps injured. They have lost 3 of their last 4 games since the All-Star break. It appears, they lack the heart, soul, and desire they had before Covid.
Game Analysis / Pens Scouting Report
Pittsburgh Penguins Record 27-17-9 = 63 Pts
New York Islanders Record 27-23-7 = 61 Pts
Pittsburgh Goals For 171
NYI Goals For 164
Pittsburgh Goals Against 163
NYI Goals Against 154
Pittsburgh Goal Differential +8
NYI Goal Differential +6
Pittsburgh Power Play 21.6%
NYI Power Play 17.2%
Pittsburgh Penalty Kill 80.1%
NYI Penalty Kill 82.4%
Pittsburgh Penalty Minutes 436
NYI Penalty Minutes 481
Pittsburgh Shots Per Game 33.2
NYI Shots Per Game 30.9
Pittsburgh Team Faceoff 52.0%
NYI Team Faceoff 50.5%
Pittsburgh D-Zone Give Aways 252
NYI D-Zone Give Aways 282
Pittsburgh O-Zone Give Aways 167
NYI O-Zone Give Aways 229
Pittsburgh Offside For 106
NYI Offside For 112
Pittsburgh Offside Against 99
NYI Offside Against 112
Pittsburgh Team Goals Against Average 3.08
NYI Team Goals Against Average 2.70
Pittsburgh Team Save % .913
NYI Team Save % .921
My View from the Cheap Seats
One might say, the Playoffs actually begin tonight and over these next three games.
If the Pens decide they are motivated and want to win….they can.
If the Pens get quality saves from their G-men…they can win.
If the Pens stop Turning Over the puck…they can win.
Offense: Pittsburgh
Defense: NYI
Special Teams: Tied
In my humble opinion, comparing and analyzing the data listed in my scouting report above, the stats say the Pens should win this one, and my eye test also tells me, it’s a Penguins W.
Pen’s Pick: Penguins to Win.
Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes you must simply throw logic out the window and see the reality of it all”
Marc Penner – Author / Site Expert
Game Highlights uploaded Feb21.23…enjoy.