Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders Game 4 Prediction, Playoff Odds
Brandon Tanev took the lead with 3:36 remaining to cap off a five-goal third period to give the Pittsburgh Penguins a 2-1 series lead.
Puck drops at 3:00 PM ET Saturday at the Nassau Coliseum for game four in front of 6,800 fans, as the home team tries to even the series.
Penguins vs. Islanders Stanley Cup Odds
52 percent of Sports interaction customers have the higher paying Penguins to win tonight as the visiting team. Pittsburgh’s away record is decent this year at 15-12-1, but the Isles have only lost back-to-back home games once this year.
In game three, these teams played the over for the sixth time in 12 meetings this year. If the trend continues they will have to go under tonight, as they like to alternate each night. The last game was a blood bath with referees handing out 30 minutes worth of penalties in the third period alone. With both power plays beginning to click, the series could be blown wide open if they keep up their undisciplined play.
Both goaltenders have shown flashes of greatness, but there have also been goals they would both like to have back. After winning game one Ilya Sorokin watched his team lose the next two. Could Barry Trotz turn back to his rookie goaltender tonight?
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins are back to being 100 percent healthy as they got to play their first game of the postseason with their full roster. Russian centreman Evgeni Malkin returned and wasted no time getting on the scoresheet. He picked up two assists and logged 12 minutes of ice time after missing the home half of the series with a knee injury.
The return of Malkin takes some of the load off Jeff Carter’s back who has been carrying the offence in Pittsburgh thus far in the series. The former Stanley Cup champ has three goals in the past two games and picked up a point in all three games so far.
New York Islanders
New York’s comeback fell short as a three-goal third period wasn’t enough to put away the Penguins Thursday night. Cal Clutterbuck scored two in the frame as the Isles hardest working line was finally rewarded. Coach Barry Trotz threw together the “identity line” a few years ago with Clutterbuck, Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas. It’s no secret it Trotz’s favourite trio as they usually match up against the Crosby line simply because of their physicality and ability to shut down anyone.
The Islanders’ biggest offensive threat is always Mat Barzal and in game three, he was finally able to breakthrough. He used his speed and quick hands to set up two game-tying goals, got five shots on net and could be bad news for Pens fans if he gets it going.
PIT
NYI