East Division Update - February 6th

Hey guys! We had a good game last night, so let's get right into it. The Penguins fell to the Islanders 4-3, after another strong effort with critical mistakes late. I will provide a post about the game between Washington and Philadelphia at a later time.

(Photo from NHL on NBC)

PENGUINS @ ISLANDERS

This game was going to be a walk in the park for the Penguins, with the Islanders having lost 5 straight. However, as I'm sure you all know, any given night is often echoed in the NHL, and last night was no different. The Penguins battled back twice from deficits, and Evgeni Malkin ended a 6 game goalless drought, but it wasn't enough. Late in the third period, center Teddy Blueger threw a puck high toward the glass, and it went over. Prior to that, the Islanders had momentum after Cal Clutterbuck's tying goal mid-way through the third. The Islanders pounced on the Powerplay opportunity, and were able to take the lead with only 2:32 left. The penguins pulled Jerry and ultimately were unsuccessful in a late push. Islanders pulled off a win against a team that a lot of people would've put their money on coming into it, especially one with Sidney Crosby as your captain. Once again, this game proves, any given night in the NHL is a valid statement. Penguins continue to struggle and Kris Letang made the critical mistake that led to the PP goal at the games end. Islanders' coach Barry Trotz was ecstatic at their effort after the game, saying before it that "Crosby will do damage, you just have to contain and limit that damage". The Islanders did a good job of doing just that, as he recorded only an assist.