Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders Prediction

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders Game Analysis | 02.03.26 | NHL

The regular-season clash between the Pittsburgh Penguins (28-15-11) and the New York Islanders (30-21-5) is set for February 3rd, 2026, at 7:30 PM EST at UBS Arena in Elmont. This Eastern Conference battle pits two teams with playoff aspirations against each other in a crucial mid-season fixture.

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Performance

The Penguins arrive with a respectable record, largely propelled by the enduring brilliance of Sidney Crosby. While their offense can be dynamic, their recent form has shown flashes of inconsistency, particularly in maintaining defensive integrity. The absence of key blueliners like Kris Letang could exacerbate these vulnerabilities, potentially leading to increased pressure on their goaltending. Their power play, usually a strength, might also feel the impact of missing a quarterback like Letang, affecting puck movement and zone entries.

Pittsburgh Penguins Key Players

Points: Sidney Crosby (58)
Goals: Sidney Crosby (27)
Assists: Sidney Crosby (31)

Injury Report Pittsburgh Penguins

Kris Letang (Injured reserve): Letang (undisclosed) was put on injured reserve Saturday, Seth Rorabaugh of Tribune-Review Sports reports.
Jack St. Ivany (Injured reserve): St. Ivany (hand surgery) was put on injured reserve Thursday.
Caleb Jones (Injured reserve): Jones (lower body) was assigned to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Monday for a conditioning loan.

New York Islanders Team Performance

The Islanders, with a slightly superior win percentage, have demonstrated a more consistent, structured approach to their game. Playing on home ice, they are known for their tight defensive system and opportunistic offense, often frustrating opponents by limiting high-danger scoring chances. Their ability to grind out wins, especially against higher-scoring teams, makes them a formidable opponent. A relatively healthy roster further enhances their tactical flexibility and depth against a Penguins team with significant defensive injuries.

New York Islanders Key Players

Points: Mathew Barzal (47)
Goals: Bo Horvat (21)
Assists: Mathew Barzal (32)

Prediction: Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders

Considering the Islanders’ home-ice advantage, their robust defensive system, and the Penguins’ significant defensive injury woes, particularly the absence of Kris Letang, the New York Islanders are favored to secure the win. Given both teams’ tendency towards structured play and the Islanders’ strong goaltending, this matchup is projected to be a low-scoring affair. Therefore, the total goals prediction is under 5.5.

Last 5 Games: PIT

Form:

LWWWW

VS vs Ottawa

L 3-2

PTS 28-15-11

GOL Silovs

AST Chinakhov

VS vs New York

W 6-5

PTS 28-14-11

GOL Skinner

AST Dewar

VS vs Chicago

W 6-2

PTS 27-14-11

GOL Silovs

AST Mantha

VS @ Vancouver

W 3-2

PTS 26-14-11

GOL Skinner

AST Kindel

VS @ Edmonton

W 6-2

PTS 25-14-11

GOL Silovs

AST Silovs

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
vs Ottawa	L 3-2	28-15-11	Silovs	Chinakhov
vs New York	W 6-5	28-14-11	Skinner	Dewar
vs Chicago	W 6-2	27-14-11	Silovs	Mantha
@ Vancouver	W 3-2	26-14-11	Skinner	Kindel
@ Edmonton	W 6-2	25-14-11	Silovs	Silovs

Last 5 Games: NYI

Form:

LLWWW

VS @ Washington

L 4-1

PTS 30-21-5

GOL Rittich

AST Cizikas

VS vs Nashville

L 4-3

PTS 30-20-5

GOL Sorokin

AST Barzal

VS @ New York

W 2-1

PTS 30-19-5

GOL Sorokin

AST Sorokin

VS vs New York

W 5-2

PTS 29-19-5

GOL Rittich

AST Holmstrom

VS @ Philadelphia

W 4-0

PTS 28-19-5

GOL Sorokin

AST Sorokin

Opponent	Result	Points	Goles	Assists
@ Washington	L 4-1	30-21-5	Rittich	Cizikas
vs Nashville	L 4-3	30-20-5	Sorokin	Barzal
@ New York	W 2-1	30-19-5	Sorokin	Sorokin
vs New York	W 5-2	29-19-5	Rittich	Holmstrom
@ Philadelphia	W 4-0	28-19-5	Sorokin	Sorokin

Pittsburgh Penguins vs New York Islanders Prediction | NHL 02.03.26