Penguins Game Day vs Islanders – March 09.23

Penguins. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
Penguins. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

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

Keep an Eye On

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%

Penguins Key Injuries

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

Keep an Eye On

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)

Key Injuries

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

light. Trending. Penguins Win or Lose This Too Shall Pass

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