The Pittsburgh Penguins (34-23-8) played their second of four on the road tonight matching up against Metropolitan Division rival, the New York Islanders (36-20-7). A hard fought game by the Penguins proved to be nothing but history for the record books as New York would go on to win with a final score of 2-1.
Both of the Islanders goals were with the man advantage. The game winning goal came from Anders Lee with just over half of the third period left in the game.
With netminder Jaroslav Halak going to the locker room after an apparent groin injury late in the third, Pittsburgh had a true opportunity to take advantage of a cold goaltender. Even after pulling Marc-Andre Fleury, the Penguins were not able to find the equalizer.
Even Steven
Both goalies this evening played very well and it is a shame that the loser, regardless of who it was, could not leave this evening’s game without at least a point. However, the difference tonight was the Islanders specials teams unit who was able to put away two goals as well as stifle any Pittsburgh powerplay.
Each team found their share of chances, but with New York playing more aggressive on the boards and finishing off hits. The Penguins finished the game with 35 shots, but only one was able to get by Halak.
The lone goal came from Kris Letang and was assisted by Sidney Crosby. The offense struggled to put up significant shots after this goal. Phil Kessel had a shot at the tail-end of the game that was just blocked by the right leg of an Islanders player.
Penalty Problem
Another glaring point to take away from this evening’s game is that the Penguins did not help themselves much by finding their way to the penalty box five times. Pittsburgh was able to draw three, but considering how successful the Islanders performed on their powerplay, specials teams were the deciding factor.
For much of the game players skated with a chip on their shoulder. Things began to get chippy towards the end of the game, but each team was able to control themselves.
It is not as if the Penguins had no chances to bring the score back to even, but the offense has began to play inconsistently in the last handful of games and is something they cannot afford to linger.
What’s Next
Pittsburgh will follow this game by traveling to Columbus to face the Blue Jackets this Friday at 7:00p.m.
