New York hosts Pittsburgh, aims to break home losing streak

Pittsburgh Penguins (9-6-4, fifth in the Metropolitan) vs. New York Islanders (5-9-2, eighth in the Metropolitan)

Elmont; Friday, 7:30 p.m. EST

LINE: Islanders +125, Penguins -152

BOTTOM LINE: New York hosts Pittsburgh looking to break its three-game home slide.

The Islanders are 0-3-1 against division opponents. New York is last in the Eastern Conference averaging only 2.8 assists per game. Kyle Palmieri leads the team with six total assists.

The Penguins are 1-2-0 against opponents in the Metropolitan. Pittsburgh ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference averaging 5.2 assists per game, led by Kris Letang with 0.7.

The teams face off Friday for the first time this season.

TOP PERFORMERS: Brock Nelson has 11 total points for the Islanders, nine goals and two assists. Anders Lee has three goals over the last 10 games for New York.

Letang leads the Penguins with 10 total assists and has 11 points. Jake Guentzel has six goals over the last 10 games for Pittsburgh.

LAST 10 GAMES: Islanders: 2-7-1, averaging 1.7 goals, 2.8 assists, 4.6 penalties and 14.2 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game with a .900 save percentage.

Penguins: 5-3-2, averaging 2.8 goals, 5.2 assists, 3.1 penalties and 6.5 penalty minutes while allowing 2.3 goals per game with a .924 save percentage.

INJURIES: Islanders: Noah Dobson: day to day (lower body), Brock Nelson: out (lower body), Josh Bailey: day to day (health protocols).

Penguins: None listed.

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