Stat Trick: Penguins 3, Islanders 2

1. The Isles have played five consecutive one-goal games, winning the first three and losing the last two. This ties the club record, set seven previous times, including last season. It's only the second time that the Isles have ever played five consecutive regulation 1-goal games (previously done in 1998). (The Isles did play 7 consecutive games in 2001 decided by one goal or less)

2. The Isles outscored Pittsburgh 2-1 at full strength, but allowed a 5-on-3 and a 4-on-4 goal. The Isles have been outscored 3-0 in 4-on-4's this season.

3. Mark Recchi and Darryl Sydor were scratched by the Penguins. Combined, they have played in 2,471 NHL games. Crosby and Malkin extended their point streaks to 18 and 12 games respectively. Including tonight, they have played in 276 NHL games.

...and one more for the history books

4. Crosby's assist on the winning goal was his 250th NHL point. He has 33 of those points vs the Isles --more than any other opponent. Gonchar's goal was his 14th career goal against the Islanders--more than any other opponent.

Forever1940 is the nom de plume of FSN statistician Eric Hornick. Eric, who has worked the Stanley Cup Finals four times, celebrated his 25th anniversary as the statistician on Islander home telecasts on January 21, 2007. Often referred to on-air as an actuary, he is one of 3,044 Fellows of the Casualty Actuarial Society and is the President of the Casualty Actuaries of Greater NY. You can find him in the "Best Seat in the House", about six feet to Howie and Billy's left, at most Islander home games. For more on the actuarial profession, visit www.beanactuary.org