Pittsburgh Penguins Game Day vs NYI Feb 17.2023

Penguins (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Penguins (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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?

light. Trending. If the Penguins Win THEN they will Get In

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

Trending. Pen's Power Ranking - the Real One as of January 24.2023. light

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.

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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.

Trending. Hey Penguins Can You Handle The Truth. light

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.

light. Trending. Here is what Really Matters to the Penguins going forward

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

Penguins are Failing in Thes Areas. light. Trending

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

Trending. Penguins Need More C.L.O.S.E.R.S. light

 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.