New York Islanders Vs Pittsburgh Penguins
Arena: Mellon Arena
Time: Wednesday, Feb 10, 2010 at 7:30 PM ET
League: NHL – United States of America
Last 10 matches: New York 2-8-0; Pittsburgh 5-4-1
The Penguins have had a couple of days off, so they should be able to avoid any kind of hangover following Sunday’s epic 5-4 overtime loss at Washington – a game they led 4-1 only to see Alex Ovechkin get a hat trick and assist on the OT winner. Despite a recent slump, they’re still just two points out of first place in the Atlantic Division. The Islanders, who barely beat a snowstorm off Long Island, might not have needed a plane to fly to Pittsburgh after tying Tuesday’s game against Nashville with 11 seconds left and winning 4-3 in a shootout – snapping a seven-game losing streak. Isles rookie Matt Martin had a pair of assists in his NHL debut on Tuesday. … Crosby had a hat trick on Monday and a two-goal game on Sunday, giving him 39 for the season and matching his career high. He also had six points in the Isles’ last visit to Pittsburgh. Center Jordan Staal had the Pens’ other two goals on Sunday and is 3-1-4 in his last three games.
The teams are meeting for the fourth time this season and the second time at Mellon Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-3 on Oct. 3 in a shootout to spoil the Isles’ home opener and 6-4 on Jan. 19 at home. The Islanders rallied for a 3-2 home win on Nov. 27.
Isles forward Tim Jackman (broken orbital bone) is almost ready to return. Defenseman Jack Hillen (broken jaw) and forward Josh Bailey (upper body) won’t be back until after the Olympic break. … Pittsburgh is without enforcer (and ex-Islander Eric Godard for another 3-5 weeks with a groin injury. Center Max Talbot is day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. We will post results of this match, as soon as posible.. stay tuned.