The New York Islanders will be in Pittsburgh to face the Penguins in Game 3 of their first round series. This pre-game report will look at five keys for an Islanders win today.

1- It was mentioned going into last game but Jordan Eberle is on a tear. He has six goals and nine points in his last seven games between the regular season and playoffs. Eberle continuing to produce offensively like this is huge for the Islanders.

2- Mathew Barzal looks like he’s back on track. He ended the regular season with just four points in his final 10 games but has three assists and six shots in the first two games of the series.

3- Sidney Crosby, who has historically ripped the Islanders apart throughout his career, has been held to just three shots and no points in his first two games. Neutralizing Crosby has been key and the Islanders need to continue to limit his chances.

4- On the flip side, Phil Kessel is getting too many chances. He’s had 12 shots in two games, including seven in Game 2. Give Kessel opportunities and eventually he’ll start capitalizing.

5- Robin Lehner needs to continue winning the goaltending battle against Matt Murray. Lehner has allowed just four goals on 77 shots in the first two games of the series for a .948 save percentage, while Murray has allowed seven goals on 67 shots for a .896 save percentage.


Puck drop is at 12 p.m.

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