It's time for the most interesting meetings in the NHL playoffs, in one of the matches, the Islanders will go to visit Pittsburgh. The start of the game of these teams is scheduled for May 16 at 19: 00 Moscow time. Our portal has prepared its forecast for this confrontation for you.
Pittsburgh Penguins»
The season was not exactly "Pittsburgh", alternating successful and failed segments. On their own court, the Penguins still look extremely confident and rarely lose. At the end of the season, Crosby scored an excellent form, which brought several important victories and allowed the team to jump to the first line of the eastern division. Malkin also returned to playoff games, which increases the chances of the Penguins, thanks to the variety in the attack. The team finished the season extremely successfully, beating Buffalo twice on their own court.
New York Islanders»
This season, the team shows itself well in defense, which has brought its results. The Islanders failed in the end and dropped to fourth place in the division, but this is due to a lack of motivation, because they got a place in the playoffs for a long time. In general, the Islanders have a balanced squad, relying on a counterattacking game, and the duo of Russian goalkeepers reliably plays in the goal. In the last game of the season, the Islanders gave a fight to Boston on the road, but lost in overtime.
Injuries and disqualifications:
- Injuries:
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Pittsburgh - Tanev (lower body injury), Rodriguez (ankle injury).
Islanders - Lee (injury unknown).
Statistics and figures
- The last match between these teams ended with the victory of "Pittsburgh" with the score 2: 1.
- The Islanders have won just once in their last five games.
- Pittsburgh has an excellent streak of three consecutive wins.
Forecast
It is difficult to single out a favorite in this pair, because both teams have both an advantage and many disadvantages. "Pittsburgh" by the end of the season has gained good form and now looks fresher and more cheerful, but the Islanders can dry the game and play competently in defense, which is extremely important in games on the fly. Still, in the first meeting of the series, I expect the Penguins to win.