East Division Update - February 11th

This was an exciting game to keep up with, as it had a little bit of everything. It was the second of two meetings between the Islanders and Penguins this week, after a five day break for Pittsburgh. I give an in-depth analysis of the game and it's big moments below.

(Credit: Getty Images)

PENGUINS @ ISLANDERS

The Islanders and Penguins matchup never ceases to disappoint. This game started off slow, but wouldn't last that way for long. About five minutes into the first period, Casey Cizikas takes the puck to the net with John Marino all over him. He falls down with the puck still on his stick, and is able to drag it in to score one of the prettier goals we've seen this year.

The Isles get a big boost from that, and their play picks up in intensity. That being said, it's hard to keep a team like Pittsburgh down and out of games with all the talent they have. The Pens broke into the zone, with Sidney Crosby controlling the puck. He picks his head up, and finds an open Jake Guentzel, who slides a crips pass to Bryan Rust for a tap in, and a 1-1 game.

The Penguins would make another mistake with the delay of game penalty, as defenseman Cody Ceci flipped a puck up over the glass, and forced an Islanders power play. The Isles wouldn't hesitate to shoot, and center J.G. Pageau got a nice redirect for the go ahead goal.

The Penguins would respond again, with a nice play from long time injured winger Zach-Aston-Reese. He pulled it off the boards, and stuffed it by Varlamov to tie the game at two. The third would begin a tie game, and last that way until with about six minutes left. Center Matt Barzal takes the puck, and destroys the ankles of rookie defenseman P.O. Joseph. He then pulls it around him, and snipes goaltender Casey DeSmith for the Islander lead. I would feel helpless in that situation, and I can't blame Joseph for that goal, Matt Barzal is just too good.

The Penguins seemed all but destined to lose another close game to the Islanders. Although, I could feel the difference when they pulled the goalie with two minutes remaining. They seemed to gain a sudden sense of urgency, and suddenly, the whole team was playing with passion. All-Star center Evgeni Malkin picked up the puck at the top of the zone, and blasted a bomb of a shot into the net, with just :24 seconds left. This goal energized the whole team, and the Penguins earned a MUCH needed point.

In O.T., neither team was given much, and teams traded chances for the five minutes, with not a lot of action to be spoken of.

The shootout started with Jordan Eberle missing to the right of DeSmith, and each team missed their second shots, until the third round, where it was Sidney Crosby's time to shine. He came in stickhandling furiously, making a few little head fakes to freeze Varlomov, and then put a nice little backhander over the glove of the dazed goaltender. This is something that Sid needed for his confidence, and should get him up for the Penguins next matchup against Washington on Sunday. The Islanders had another chance, but Josh Bailey was shut down by DeSmith, as he gets the W on his stat sheet.