Pittsburgh Penguins

After two games of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, the Pittsburgh Penguins have found themselves in an interesting position.

They are tied with the New York Islanders with one victory per team. The problem is, both teams played a bit of Jekyll and Hyde in the first two games and gave little indication as to who is going to show up in game number 3.

In game one, it appeared to all that the Penguins were exactly what we figured them to be: well oiled offensive machine that was physically underrated and defensively sound. In game two we saw a Penguins team that quickly abandoned their philosophy of playing up and down, sound hockey.

Despite the Penguins hot start to g...

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)

Chemistry is formed over time in the NHL. Playing with guys and getting to know their tendencies around specifics spots on the ice is crucial to success. Knowing where a guy likes to shoot, where he feels most comfortable handling the puck, and what his defensive zone breakouts consist of allow teammates to generate consistently effective plays without having blatantly obvious situations dictate play. This chemistry is typically formed over the course of the season, but something can be said for trade acquisitions who develop these tendencies early and provide an instant impact.

In Pittsburgh, they were lucky to see the type of production that they have seen from their trade acquisi...

The Islanders face the Pittsburgh Penguins this afternoon for the 5th and final time this season. After winning the first matchup, the Isles fell to the Pens in the three following games.

The Islanders come into today's 1pm matinee game at Energy Consol Centre tied for 8th place in the Eastern Conference with the New York Rangers. Thanks to a huge shootout victory against the Flyers on Thursday night, New York is currently on their best win streak of the season at 3.