Penguins Game Day vs Islanders – March 09.23
By Marc Penner
Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders
This is another huge game for the Pittsburgh Penguins (aren’t they all from here on out?)
This game could very well determine who gets into the Playoffs and who misses out.
Things did not go so well for the Penguins the last time these two teams met. Remember the Feb17.23 game, in which the Penguins dominated until mid way through the third period, and lost? Or how about the Feb 20th game where they rarely won a draw and turned the puck over like they were giving away Free Pancakes, and lost that one too?
We know exactly who the Penguins are …
A Team with Weak Goaltending. Period.
A Team with Suspect Defense. Period.
A Team that is Soft and cannot hold a Lead late in a game. Period.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins host the New York Islanders
Tonight’s Game by The Numbers…
Puck Drop 6pm est.
Location: PPG Paints Arena – Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh Penguins Record as of March 09.2023
32-22-9 = 73 pts
5th – in the Metropolitan Division
8th – in Eastern Conference
13th -Tied Overall in NHL
Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #2 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.
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Vs
New York Islanders Record as of March 09.2023
33-25-8 = 74 pts
4th – in the Metropolitan Division
7th in the Eastern Conference (ties)
12th -Tied Overall in NHL
New York Islanders are holding the #1 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’. I have already mentioned the issues from the last two encounters, so there is no need to go back there. Ugh.
The Islanders pick up of Bo Horvat at the NHL Trade Deadline, literally saved their season. This one player changed the vibe on the team and provided them with some much needed heart.
They know who they are and which direction they are going….and it’s up, by the way.
The Penguins, in my opinion, waited to long to make a trade that would matter and actually help the team. Furthermore, I really don’t think they addressed their needs. As I mentioned above, we know who they are.
Penguins Beware the Ides of March. light. Trending
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS
Crosby #87 F 28G-48A-76 Pts 53.3% Faceoff Win%
Malkin #71 F 23G-43A-66 Pts 50.5% Faceoff Win%
Guentzel #59 F 25G-30A-55 Pts 50.0% Faceoff Win%
Granlund #64 F Mar 06.23 DTD Illness
Rust #17 F Mar06.23 DTD Personal
Poehling #25 D Feb16.23 IR Upper Body
Penguins News and Notes
The Good
The Penguins have won 5 of their last 6 games, since the Edmonton Oilers blew them out by a score of 7-2 on Feb23.23.
DeSmith has won more than he has lost, 5-3, since coming out of the All-Star break.
Crosby has been the only consistent bright spot for the Penguins, this year.
The Bad
Goaltending is holding the Penguins back.
Team D is holding the Penguins back
Team Turnovers and a lack of focus for 60 minutes are holding the Penguins back.
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NEW YORK ISLANDERS
Horvat #14 F 36G-26A-62 Pts 56.37% Faceoff %
Nelson #29 F 27G-34A-61 Pts 46.8% Faceoff %
Sorokin #30 G .926 Save % (3rd) as well as 2.33 GAA (4th)
Barzal #13 F Feb 17.23 DTD Lower Body
Pageau #44 F Feb13.23 DTD Upper Body
Clutterbuck #15 F Jan 18.23 IR Upper Body
NYI News and Notes
The Good
The Islanders have won 6 of their last 9 games, since beating up the Penguins on Feb17th. Oh and by the way, they lost to Boston (everyone does), they lost to LA in OT and to Minny in a Shoot Out. They are for real.
They made the trade, that will get them over the hump. They have the Goaltenders to win it all.
The Bad
They have some key peeps injured. It appears they have found the heart, soul and desire, that they lost over the Covid year. NHL, look out now.
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Game Analysis / Pens Scouting Report
Pittsburgh Penguins Record 32-22-9 = 73 Pts
New York Islanders Record 33-25-8 = 74 Pts
Pittsburgh Goals For 206
NYI Goals For 191
Pittsburgh Goals Against 203
NYI Goals Against 179
Pittsburgh Goal Differential +3
NYI Goal Differential +12
Pittsburgh Power Play 21.1%
NYI Power Play 17.0%
Pittsburgh Penalty Kill 79.3%
NYI Penalty Kill 82.5%
Pittsburgh Penalty Minutes 544
NYI Penalty Minutes 563
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Pittsburgh Shots Per Game 33.9
NYI Shots Per Game 30.7
Pittsburgh Team Faceoff 52.2%
NYI Team Faceoff 50.8%
Pittsburgh D-Zone Give Aways 295
NYI D-Zone Give Aways 322
Pittsburgh O-Zone Give Aways 195
NYI O-Zone Give Aways 262
Pittsburgh Offside For 121
NYI Offside For 127
Pittsburgh Offside Against 119
NYI Offside Against 97
Pittsburgh Team Goals Against Average 3.21
NYI Team Goals Against Average 2.64
Pittsburgh Team Save % .909
NYI Team Save % .922
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My View from the Cheap Seats
If the Pens decide they are motivated and want to win this one….they can.
Offense: Pittsburgh
Defense: NYI
Special Teams: NYI
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 – Writer / Author – Site Expert