There is plenty of blame to go around for the Islanders’ struggles this season, but the star players’ struggles is a big reason for their poor play.

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan has seen enough of the New York Islanders to know what they’re about. And he knows, even if they’ve largely struggled this season, the Islanders still present a stiff challenge to the Penguins.

Mathew Barzal had a hard time flushing Monday's 7-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. EAST MEADOW, NY -- The three-day holiday break was a chance for players and coaches to mentally reset, spend time with their loved ones, and give their bodies a chance to recover from the rigorous nightly battles on the ice.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins (17-16-5) exacted revenge and downed the ... Anthony Duclair flew down the left wing and sent a pass to Mathew Barzal inside the left-hand circle. He fired quickly, but Nedeljkovic said no. Kyle Palmieri dug for ...

Casey Cizikas and Anders Lee each scored twice and the New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Saturday night. Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anthony Duclair also scored, and Mathew Barzal and Alexander Romanov each had two assists for New York, which had lost three of four. Ilya Sorokin finished with 22 saves.

A showdown in the Metropolitan Division showcases the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Islanders. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey!

The New York Islanders (13-15-7) return from their holiday hiatus against the surging Pittsburgh Penguins (16-15-5 ... enjoying the task of playing defense.” Anders Lee–Mathew Barzal–Jean-Gabriel Pageau Anthony Duclair–Brock Nelson–Kyle Palmieri ...

The New York Islanders (14-15-7) dug deep and beat the Pittsburgh Penguins (16-16-5) 6-3 on Saturday Night in UBS Arena. Casey Cizikas and Anders Lee scored two goals each, leading New York past the recently hot Penguins.

Casey Cizikas (2G), Anders Lee (2G), JG Pageau, Anthony Duclair scored for the Islanders in a game that tied a season-high six goals, while Ilya Sorokin made 22 saves in his career-long 12 th consecutive start. Michael Bunting, Noel Acciari, Rickard Rakell scored for the Penguins while Tristan Jarry made 28 saves in the loss.

New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal, left, talks with left wing Anders ... Kyle Palmieri and Evgeni Malkin will be leading the way for the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively, when the two teams clash on Sunday, December 29 at ...

The New York Islanders lost 3-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday night and also lost forward Simon Holmstrom. The 23-year-old, who has been one of the bright spots in a season full of negatives, seemed to suffer an apparent lower-body injury after a collision in the third period.

Casey Cizikas and Anders Lee each scored twice and the New York Islanders beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Saturday night.Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anthony Duclair also scored, and Mathew Barzal ...