New York Islanders season on the line tonight vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Nov 18, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy (2) controls the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Eric Fehr (16) during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders have their backs against the wall in tonight’s home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

  • New York Islanders (7-10-4)
  • Pittsburgh Penguins (13-6-3)
  • Barclays Center; Brooklyn, NY
  • NBCSN, TVAS, WRHU, 8pm EST
After beating the Calgary Flames Monday night at the Barclays Center, the New York Islanders turn to the reigning champion Pittsburgh Penguins for Tuesday’s matchup.

Last season, the Penguins beat the Islanders in all but one meeting, a 2-1 win for New York – the game where Jaroslav Halak tore his groin and was out for the remainder of the season.

In their last 10 games, the Penguins are 5-4-1, while the Islanders are 3-4-3. By no means is either team coming in hot for this matchup, although both are coming off wins.

Thomas Greiss will be in the net for the Islanders tonight. Greiss is starting his third consecutive game, with JF Berube backing him up once again. Ryan Strome also returns to the lineup tonight, replacing Alan Quine.

Scott Mayfield comes in for Adam Pelech, who took a bit of a bruising Monday night, but coach Jack Capuano reassured fans it wasn’t much of a concern. Consider it one of Cappy’s “maintenance days” for Pelech.

The Islanders find themselves seven points away from the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, so if they want to make a push towards relevancy, winning the next two games is integral. Beating the Penguins and the Washington Capitals in back to back scenarios is absolutely not an easy task. It is doable, however, and even taking three of the next four points would leave the Islanders in good shape.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.