PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins continued their impressive form, extending their point streak to six games with a solid 3-1 victory against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday. Goalie Alex Nedeljkovic was the star, making 37 saves, as the Penguins fortified their record to 18-13-4.
Lars Eller emerged as a key offensive player for Pittsburgh, netting two goals, including the game-sealer into an empty net. Noel Acciari also contributed a goal, helping the Penguins clinch their third consecutive win. Their streak includes a notable 4-2 win against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday, with goalie Tristan Jarry making 25 saves in that game.
Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan lauded the performances of both his goalies. “They’re both helping us win right now,” Sullivan said, acknowledging the vital role of Nedeljkovic and Jarry in the team’s recent success.
The Islanders, with a record now standing at 17-10-9, faced another setback following their recent 7-0 defeat to the Penguins. Coach Lane Lambert expressed disappointment, emphasizing the team’s good play but acknowledging their inability to capitalize on chances.
The game’s opening goal was a testament to Pittsburgh’s sharp play, with Eller scoring on the team’s first shot on goal early in the first period. This came just after Nedeljkovic made a crucial glove save against Casey Cizikas’ breakaway wrist shot.
Cizikas, reflecting on the Islanders’ performance, highlighted their good chances but lamented the lack of finishing. “We just have to keep doing what we’re doing,” he said, indicating the team’s intention to persist with their strategy.
Nedeljkovic’s brilliance was particularly evident during a first-period power play, where he made a series of saves in quick succession, including a remarkable sprawling save on a slap shot from Brock Nelson.
Acciari doubled the Penguins’ lead early in the second period, scoring off a deflection. The Islanders managed to reduce the deficit in the third period with Samuel Bolduc’s first goal of the season, but Eller’s empty-netter sealed the win for Pittsburgh.
Eller commented on the team’s recent form, noting the importance of December for setting the tone. “We needed to tighten up a little bit of holes in our game,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the team’s current trajectory.
In other notes, Penguins’ star forward Sidney Crosby received stitches after being hit by a stick under his eye, while the Islanders’ Scott Mayfield and Casey Cizikas made notable returns from injury and illness, respectively.
As the Penguins continue to build momentum, the Islanders are left to ponder their approach, seeking ways to turn their solid play into victories.
