Chris Kunitz

Eastern Conference Semi Final Update; Penguins Edition

May 20, 2013

It took two overtimes and three simple defensive breakdowns to end a pivotal game three in the Penguins and Senators round two playoff series. It was dramatic, nerve racking, and punishing. The nasty play and overall demeanor developing in this series is better than advertised.

The tone coming into the series was mostly anticipation of brutal play. With hopes that the polarizing penguins club could be witnessed getting knocked around by a bigger Ottawa defensive core. This did not happen to the extent in which many were hoping, I see you Philly, but the physicality shown in this series dwarfs the slow tone of the only other eastern conference series.

In game one Pittsburgh had...

Lessons Learned?

May 13, 2013

Chuck Gaston Jr

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Lessons Learned?

With all due respect to the New York Islanders tremendous play in round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins were terrible.

They refused to alter their stretch passing breakout plan after the Islanders set up a 1-3-1 trapping system. They refused to battle for long stretches of time in order to stifle the quick transition game of the Islanders. The Penguins almost refused to change everything except for the goaltender and while this worked out to their advantage, it is not going to work this time around.

The Ottawa Senators, the Penguins next opponent in round two of the playoffs, are a completely animal than that of the Islanders. Th...

Isles Show Heart In Game Three But Fall To Pens In Overtime

May 5, 2013

Rob McGowan

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The New York Islanders were hosting a playoff game on Nassau Coliseum ice for the first time in six years in front of a sold out crowd that was salivating for the puck to finally drop. Unfortunately for the Isles, they fell to the Penguins in overtime by a score of 5-4 on a power play goal that came from forward Chris Kunitz just 8:44 into the extra frame.

Special teams would ultimately play the deciding factor in the game, as the Islanders penalty kill only went 2-5, surrendering two additional power play goals in the first period that allowed the Penguins to get into the hockey game.

The Isles came out of the gates with energy and intensity, racking up hits, shots and goals immediately. Within the first two minutes of the game, Matt Moulson would slam home a rebound after Kyle Okposo would get the first few initial chances. Lubomir Visnovsky would be credited with the second assist.

Eastern Conference QF Islanders vs. Penguins Game 1: Preview

May 1, 2013

T.J. Weber

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The 2013 NHL season has come to an end and an impressive push down the stretch by our beloved Isles has secured them the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. For the first time since 2007, the New York Islanders will play post-season hockey and compete for Lord Stanley’s Cup.

However, the real challenge lies ahead for the Islanders, as they will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round of the playoffs. The Penguins basically ran circles around the rest of the Eastern Conference during the lockout-shortened 2013 season, finishing in 1st place with 72 points. (Photo Credit: Beauty Playin 'Eh/Flickr)

Pittsburgh Earns Record Win As Islanders Squander Opportunities

March 30, 2013

Donovan Brooks

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The victory, Pittsburgh's 15th straight, was also a record night in another way: the Pens have extended their club record shutout streak. The Pens shutout streak now extends over 208 minutes as Pittsburgh has won the last three by shutout.

Pens netminder Tomas Vokoun has extended his personal best shutout streak to just shy of 163 minutes.

The game could have went another way though.

Examining The Acquisitions

March 29, 2013

Chuck Gaston Jr

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When a team finds success in the NHL on a consistent basis, it is very difficult for GM’s to tinker with said success in order to find greater success. It is the easiest explanation as to how the NHL has witnessed such playoff parity. In the modern cap era it has become even more difficult to place a team on the ice that has a continued shot at a championship. So with all of this in perspective, is it possible that we see a Stanley Cup champion this season that has also won the cup within the past five seasons?

It is the question that seemingly everyone in the NHL is waiting to see. With Pittsburgh and Chicago pushing the boundaries of greatness, the NHL might finally witness ...

We Got'em

March 28, 2013

Chuck Gaston Jr

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Well, the Pittsburgh Penguins have officially acquired Jarome Iginla from the Calgary Flames. In exchange for the veteran’s experience the Penguins have traded their first round selection in the 2013 entry level draft and unsigned college prospects Ben Hanowski and Kenny Agostino.

Amid rumors and credited reporting, Jarome Iginla had initially been on his way to Boston. After a tough loss to the Canadiens, Boston fans were rejoicing in emphatic jubilance to have such a revered player help fix whatever ail their team. Twitter erupted with numerous reports on how the trade was won and how Boston has pulled into a virtual (paper champion) tie with the Pittsburgh Penguins after th...

GAME RE-CAP Penguins 4-Isles 2 at The Coliseum

March 23, 2013

Jane Fisher

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NY Islanders Lose To Pittsburgh Penguins, in Another Frustrating Home Game

Islanders Look For A Reversal Of Fortune Tonight Against The Penguins

March 22, 2013

Donovan Brooks

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The Islanders will be looking for a better outcome when they play host to division rival Pittsburgh tonight at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

The Penguins come to town winners of ten straight games, including a complete destruction of the Isles the last time these two teams met; a March 10th contest in Pittsburgh.

Islanders Hit The Steel City Looking To Keep Points Streak Alive Versus The Penguins

March 10, 2013

Donovan Brooks

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Both teams enter this contest off of victories. For New York, it was a 5-2 home win over the Washington Capitals. For Pittsburgh, it was a shootout victory in Toronto against the Leafs.