New York Islanders Try for Threepeate vs Pittsburgh Penguins

3 of 3

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Jordan Eberle #7 of the New York Islanders (2nd from left) celebrates his second period goal against the Florida Panthers at the Barclays Center on October 24, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Keys to the Game

Slow Them Down

The Pittsburgh Penguins love to play with speed. The strategy not only produced results in the regular season, but it led them to back-to-back cups as well. The Islanders defense is going to have to be vigilant and push only when it’s clear to do so. Needlessly getting caught up ice against a team with the speed of the Penguins will result in disaster.

Limit Shots

Over their last four games, the Penguins have landed no less than 31 shots on net. That doesn’t bode well for a team like the New York Islanders that still bleed shots. Only once over the Isles last four games have they allowed fewer than 39 shots. Letting the Penguins have open season on whoever is in nets, even if they keep those shots to the perimeter, will result in a loss.

Don’t Let Them Breath

That’s obviously not meant literally. The New York Islanders should play a pressing/frustrating game against the Penguins. Don’t give them time to think or set up. Get on them as soon as possible and pressure the puck carrier into a mistake. The Cizikas line already does this perfectly well. The other lines might want to emulate it a bit.

Want your voice heard? Join the Eyes On Isles team!

Write for us!

Next. Top 50 Isles Players of All Time

A third win in a row would truly be amazing for the New York Islanders. Its still early and won’t change the narrative for some. But the fanbase will take note of what’s going on. It’s an 82 game grind, but getting six points from a possible six on the road goes a long way in April.