New York Islanders seek consolation as they face the challenging Pittsburgh Penguins – NHL Preview
New York Islanders have not yet been eliminated from the playoff contention, but that is expected to happen very soon.
A game against Pittsburgh Penguins might become the final nail in the coffin for Islanders, but as long as they are alive in the competition, they want to give their best shot.
Penguins have already qualified for the playoffs and they just need to carry on the momentum into the postseason.
Both teams are going to face each other on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at CONSOL Energy Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Islanders
They are ranked at 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 73 points after 75 games. They have been playing well of late, but that is not enough to see them through to the playoffs.
Islanders have won three of their last four games with the recent victory coming against Florida Panthers.
Panthers scored a goal in the first period and Islanders provided the equaliser in the second. Both the teams scored apiece in the final period as the game was sent to overtime, which also went goalless and shootout was called.
Islanders got the only goal of the shootout and won the game.
Islanders’ coach, Jack Capuano, said after the game:
"Our game plan doesn't change and that's the way we have to continue to play. I thought we did a good job of tracking and in all areas. They played well enough to win, too. Our goalie made some big saves in key times."
Penguins
They are ranked at fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with 100 points after 75 games and have already qualified for the postseason.
They have won three of their last four games with the recent victory coming against New Jersey Devils following an 8-4 defeat against Ottawa Senators.
Penguins were aggressive right from the start as they gained a lead early in the first period. They successfully kept the lead throughout the game and eventually won it, 5-2.
Penguins’ Sidney Crosby said of the game:
"We did some good things. I still think we got better, which is a good thing. To bounce back that way after giving up eight goals (Saturday to the Senators) and not playing the way we wanted to was important."
Predictions
Penguins have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might be six or more.
If Islanders win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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