PITTSBURGH (93.7 the Fan) The Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders prepare for an afternoon matchup in Game 4 of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Penguins currently have a 2-1 series lead and are looking to tighten their grip with another victory on Long Island.
It may be a scrummy affair as both teams piled up the penalty minutes in Game 3; 36 minutes in penalties were handed out between the two teams when it was all said and done.
While the roughhousing and chippy play is bound to continue, there will be some offense and defense to keep an eye on for fans.
The Penguins’ depth continues to be a high point as forward Brandon Tanev scored an impressive game winner and newly acquired fan-favorite Jeff Carter scored twice, now the team leader in points this postseason.
Carter has collected a point in each of the first three games and can become the first Penguins player since Jerome Iginla to score in their first four playoff games with the team.
Jake Guentzel, despite leading both teams in shots on goal has yet to find the back of the net; Look for him to continue shooting the puck and eventually breaking through for his first goal of the playoffs.
Kris Letang has been phenomenal all series, and that was marked by three points in the Game 3 vicotry.
At 33-years-old Letang leads the team in average ice time with nearly half an hour of play (27:49).
It would be hard not to keep an eye on Letang with numbers like that.
Tristan Jarry did not play well in Game 1, bounced back in Game 2, but had a fairly unimpressive Game 3 by giving up late goals allowing the Islanders to stay in the game.
Jarry will have to play smarter and regain his Game 2 form, it’s better for the team and everyone’s blood pressure if he can keep the puck out of the net.
The Penguins need to avoid taking as many penalties yet again as that can be a crutial turning point in the series, the Islanders will try and get under Pittsburgh’s skin, but they have to remain focused.