The red-hot New York Islanders are set to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at Barclays Center. The Isles are seeking their 11th straight win and also to make a statement that the Penguins can’t beat Barry Trotz and the Isles.  This is also the first of three meetings in a span of two weeks between the two.
What to Expect
Be ready for an entertaining, playoff-like game tonight as both teams are looking to make statements.  The Penguins still have that sour taste of being swept by the Isles in the first round of the playoffs last season and want to get some revenge.  Also, since the Pens are struggling right now, a win against the Isles could spark something for them.  The Isles, on the other hand, look to keep rolling and show the Pens that they can’t beat them.
Islanders
The Isles are coming off of a dominant, 4-1, win over the Senators on Tuesday night.  Four different Isles players scored, including Cole Bardreau, who buried his first NHL goal on a penalty shot.
Penguins
The Penguins lost their last game in Boston 6-4 on Monday night.  After trailing 3-0, the Penguins quickly put up four unanswered goals to take a 4-3 lead.  But then the Bruins stormed right back and silenced the Pens with three unanswered goals to end the game.
Stat Leaders
Record:  NYI (11-3-0)   PIT (8-6-1)
Team Points:  NYI (22)   PIT (17)
Goals: NYI- Josh Bailey (6)   PIT- Jake Guentzel (7)
Assists: NYI- Josh Bailey (6)   PIT- Sidney Crosby (12)
Points:  NYI- Josh Bailey (12)   PIT- Sidney Crosby (17)
+/-:  NYI- Mat Barzal (10)   PIT- Jared McCann (9)
PIMS: NYI- Ross Johnston (33)   PIT- Teddy Blueger (17)
Save %:  NYI- Thomas Greiss (.937)   PIT- Tristan Jarry (.929)
GAA:  NYI- Thomas Greiss (2.00)   PIT- Tristan Jarry (2.25)
2019-20 Game of the Month Record:
0-1-0
December Game of the Month:
12/23/19 vs. Columbus Blue Jackets