Pens 1, Islanders 4

RecapThe Penguins lost to the Islanders last night 4-1 in New York. Pittsburgh's lone goal was scored by Petr Sykora.

While it looked as if it was going to be a very competitive, exciting game in the first period, it had quite a different turnout than expected. Something happened during the first intermission that took Pittsburgh totally out of the game. The Isles were dominant throughout the second and third periods in a game which could have seen the Pens wrapping up a playoff spot with a win. Instead Pittsburgh has to look forward to playing games on consecutive days when they take on the Devils tonight in New Jersey. At least they didn't have far to travel...

Pens captain, Sidney Crosby, was conspicously absent amid speculation that he would re-join his team last night. In an on air interview with Versus at the start of the game he stated that his "conditioning was not quite there yet" and that he would not play tonight against New Jersey. If there was ever a pre-playoff game that Sid should play in it is the one tonight. Judging by their performance against the Islanders, this team needs a boost. Tonight is the closest thing to a must win as possible in a regular season game. A win will restore confidence to a team that clearly lost it last night. And it will also keep some space between first and second in the Atlantic division.