Game #13 - at New York Islanders

Pittsburgh Penguins (6-5-1, 13 pts) at New York Islanders (6-4-0, 12 pts)

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The Islanders are a different team than the one that went to the playoffs last year. Ryan Smyth left after being traded to Long Island. Jason Blake is gone as well. Mike Comrie and Bill Guerin joined the team and they've basically picked up where they left off last year.

Former Penguin Andy Hilbert has struggled this year. He's a -5 and has no points in 10 games, despite averaging almost 15:00 per game.

I think they key to the Isles is their penalty kill. In six of their first 10 games, they haven't allowed a power play goal. Their record in those games is 5-1. They're only 1-3 when they allow a PP goal.

The Pens, for their part, have scored a power play goal in every game so far this year, but have only notched more than one in two of their first 12 games.

The Pens desperately need some production from someone other than their first line. They need someone to step up, like Armstrong, Talbot or Staal. Crosby and Malkin can't completely carry the load.

Islanders blog - check out Islanders Army, which seems to be a pretty active blog.

Let's Go Pens!