Game #21 - vs New York Islanders (SID IS BACK!!)

2011-12 Game 21

New York Islanders (5-9-3, 13 points) at Pittsburgh Penguins (11-6-3, 25 points)

Sid's rookie card (2005-06 Upper Deck) will set you back about $230 - $250.   Expect that to go up.

Why does it matter?

It's the return of Sidney Crosby to the lineup, almost eleven months after he last stepped on the ice.

What has been happening lately?

• Pens - Since sweeping the Isles in a home-and-home around Halloween, the Pens are just 3-4-1.  Sid picked exactly the right time to return - they need a jolt.
• Islanders - The Isles have been pretty bad.  After starting the season 3-1, they're just 2-8-3.  They can't score enough to win.

Questions to be answered

• How much will Sid play?  If he really only plays 12 minutes, as has been suggested, what does that do to the line juggling of HCDB?
• What is wrong with the penalty kill?  They've allowed multiple goals in back-to-back games.
• Will Geno continue his strong play, or will he slip back into the shadows as he has done sometimes while playing with Sid?

Keys to the game

• Celebrate.  This is the first time since last January that Sid, Geno and Staal will play in the same game.
• Remember to breathe.  The first time Sid gets plastered, the viewing public (and the team) will likely be holding their breath until he gets up.
• Score three goals.  The Pens have not won a game this year when they've scored fewer than three goals.  When they do, their record is 11-2-1.