A showdown in the Metropolitan Division showcases the Pittsburgh Penguins against the New York Islanders. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey!

As they prepare for a matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins (16-15-5), the New York Islanders (13-15-7) currently are monitoring two players on the injury report. The game starts at 7:30 PM ET on

Brock Nelson and Anders Lee are not the most dangerous duo the Pittsburgh Penguins have had to face when playing the New York Islanders. There was, after all, a time when New York coach Al Arbour could send two future Hockey Hall of Famers — center Bryan Trottier and right winger Mike Bossy — over the boards against them.

The Pittsburgh Penguins (16-15-5) hit the NHL holiday break with a chest-thumping win over their rival Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. Their Metro Division swing continues Saturday when they visit the slowly backsliding New York Islanders (13-15-7) at UBS Arena.

The Islanders have sunk to the bottom of the Metro with three losses in four games, most recently suffering a 7-1 blowout to the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. Season S

The Pittsburgh Penguins spent the four weeks leading into the NHL's holiday break providing some evidence that the most bountiful era in team history might not be over yet.