The New York Islanders will try to take a commanding three to nothing lead today at noon against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Being up two games to none is unfamiliar territory for many Islanders fans - this is the first time they’ve accomplished such a feat since 1983. Only four teams across all major U.S. sports have come back from down 3-0 to win, so a victory would all but cement this round for the Islanders.
The Islanders are up by winning their first two games in very different fashions. Game one saw the Islanders generally outplayed, but Robin Lehner had a terrific game and held on into overtime where Josh Bailey cemented the victory. Game two saw the Penguins take eight penalties and while the Islanders only capitalized on one power play, playing with a man in the box for over a quarter of the game is a good way to lose a hockey game. We’ll see what’s in store today.
Lehner and Matt Murray are each expected to start again here today. Lehner has outperformed Murray so far this series, but Murray more than held his own last game as the Penguins failed him by putting themselves shortmanned so many times. Continuing to draw penalties while keeping Pittsburgh’s power play off of the ice is a solid recipe for success and they should continue to work at that for a victory.
Game time is at 12:00 P.M. E.S.T.