The Pittsburgh Penguins (16-9-4) will be without Sidney Crosby when they face the New York Islanders (9-11-6) Saturday evening in Uniondale, NY, but it might not matter given the two teams' recent history.
The Islanders suffered the unfortunate fate of facing the Penguins in Crosby's debut this season on November 21, with New York falling 5-0 to Pittsburgh behind Crosby's four points (two goals and two assists). That win gave the Penguins a 3-0 season series lead, and stretched Pittsburgh's record against the Islanders to 18-2-2 over the past 22 meetings.
Pittsburgh has lost their last two games, 3-1 to the Boston Bruins and 3-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers, and despite their recent historic success against the Islanders, will need to play well to stop a suddenly hot NY club. The Islanders are 4-0-2 in the past six games.
Location: Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York
Game Time: Saturday, December 19 at 7:00 PM ET
TV Coverage: ROOT HD (Pittsburgh), MSG PLUS 2 (New York)
For more Penguins coverage, please visit Pensburgh, SB Nation's Penguins blog. For the perspective from the other side, please visit visit Lighthouse Hockey, SB Nation's Islanders blog.