Given that it's a new season I don't think that we will see any of the craziness of the two Isles-Penguins match-ups last February. Of course, you never know until they drop the puck.
That meeting last February at the Coliseum was however one of the more memorable nights in recent Islander lore and one of my Top 40 moments in Isles history. You can relive it here: http://www.nyiskinny.com/2011/10/isles-40-in-40-39.html
A few things to watch tonight as Dan Bylsma coaches his 200th game and Matt Moulson plays his 200th (one more than Kyle Okposo):
After a disappointing road trip, can the Isles get things going early against Pittsburgh? The Tavares boys scored 8 first period goals at home in the first 4 games -- tops in the NHL.
What role will special teams play? The Isles #10 PP face the Pens #1 PK while the Pens #8 PP go against the Isles' #3 PK.
Can anyone stop John Tavares (6-4-10, all in the last four games)? He has points on 10 of the last 12 Isles goals and on 10 of 14 goals the Isles have scored this season. Tavares has scored twice in each period so far this season.
Can anyone help John Tavares? The Isles have 7 regular forwards still looking for their first goal of the season.
Can anyone stop James Neal (8-1-9 in the first 10 Penguin games)?
Have the Penguins been doing it with mirrors? Injuries to Crosby, Malkin, Kennedy and now Michalek yet the Pens are 6-2-2.
Why has Matt Cooke been so well-behaved? TWO penalty minutes in the first 10 games (none in the last six games) leaves him 10 shy of 1,000 for his career (815 games).
Forever1940 is the nom de plume of Eric Hornick, statistician on Islander home telecasts since 1982. Visit my blog: NYISkinny.com and follow me on Twitter @ehornick
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