The Penguins had a solid opportunity to keep their good fortunes going this weekend with two games against the Islanders. They ended up splitting the two games which is about right given how the overall season has gone.

I felt like the Islanders were there for the taking and the Penguins felt otherwise. Even with this special teams advantage they were unable to seize victory on Saturday

While you were watching the New York Rangers light themselves on fire …



The New York Islanders have conspired to create the league’s worst power play and *checks notes* also the league’s worst penalty kill?



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— Travis Yost (@travisyost.bsky.social) December 30, 2024 at 11:02 AM

The Islanders went 0-4 on their power plays in the two games while the Penguins were a solid 3-6. One way to undo these types of advantages is to not get saves. Jarry was an .879 goaltender on Saturday night.

One real cool thing that happened last night was a huge passing of the torch. Sidney Crosby is now the all-time leader in assists among all Penguins players, passing the one and only Mario Lemieux. Even with Lemieux playing under 1,000 games his Penguins records didn’t seem all that attainable. It took a special player to pass him. Sidney Crosby is that guy.

From Adams to Zucker, Sid has assisted on goals by 113 different players to reach his team record 1,034 helpers.

— Bob Grove (@bobgrove91.bsky.social) December 29, 2024 at 9:12 PM

Sidney Crosby on the reception he received after becoming the Pens all-time assists leader last night...and the backhand pass that set up Michael Bunting's goal.

The Pens are off today. Our coverage of the Pens and Red Wings begins tomorrow night at 7pm on @SNPittsburgh pic.twitter.com/RNRxSEVJhI

— Dan Potash (@DanPotashTV) December 30, 2024

SIDNEY STANDS ALONE!

Congratulations on becoming the Penguins' all-time assist leader, Captain 👏 pic.twitter.com/TLRYFq70hH

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 29, 2024

Currently the Penguins are a point back of the Ottawa Senators for that final playoff spot. They’ll have a good look at another two points against the Detroit Redwings on New Year’s Eve in the Motor City. They will then go back to back with the Panthers and Hurricanes. They’ve played more games than some of the other competition so they really need to keep racking up points if they want to make a go of it.

Thanks for reading!

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