We all remember the last match up between the Pens and Islanders two months ago when all "H. E. Double hockey sticks" broke loose. It was one for the record books as the Islanders made it their mission to obliterate the Penguins for the Johnson/DiPietro incident. Trevor Gillies's hit to Eric Tangradi, as you know, left Tangradi with a concussion that has prevented him from playing since.
Tonight, these two clubs meet for the last time this season. It would be easy to continue the circus but, for the Pens, there's 2 points at stake and those 2 points would give them 104, putting them in second place in the east and ahead of the Flyers (103pts) for the Atlantic Division. The hope to catch first seed from the Flyers has been crushed by the Capitals who lead the conference with 107 points.
"We just want a hockey game. We have the playoffs so no one needs to break a hand or a finger or pop a shoulder out doing something stupid," defensemen Brooks Orpiksaid, "We have a lot more to lose than they do right now. I am sure both teams will be warned by the league, I don't know if they have already but I'm sure they will be."
In no way, do I want tonight to pick up where the last game left off, however, I do think there's a place for a little bit of retaliation, but only if the moment calls for it. The Penguins can only control themselves, but they have to be prepared if the Islanders get out of hand.
"If this game didn't mean anything to either team," Arron Asham said, "I'm sure it would be a bloodbath. But to us, it's pretty important."
It would make sense then to put Deryk Engelland and Eric Godard in the lineup tonight for the extra man power just in case things do go awry, especially since Matt Cooke is out. Engelland, who is known for fighting, is also a skilled player, whom until recently was a top 6 defensemen. Coach Dan Bylsma said the decision for both guys will be, "Game-time on the roster."
Who should the Pens have in net? Brent Johnson seems like he would be an easy trigger for the Islanders (who sought him out after knocking out Rick DiPietro), almost like taunting them, "Go ahead. I dare ya." Although, he may be a good choice to put in so that Marc-Andre Fleury can rest up before the playoffs begin next week. On the other hand, Fleury has been amazing and might be the best bet to ensure that Pittsburgh gains those 2 points and they do have to win their last two games to overtake Philadelphia.
Bylsma's decision on tonight's goaltender, "That will also be game-time."
Either way, tonight proves to be a must-win for the Pens and a must-watch for the rest of us.
I think Mike Rupp said it best, "I love how this team defends each other. If something arises against the Islanders, we will handle it."
written by Lori Pometo
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