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!

The Penguins are coming off a commanding 7-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. Sidney Crosby had a four-point performance (1G, 3A), while Rickard Rakell (1G, 2A), Michael Bunting (2G) and Bryan Rust scored in the victory. Tristan Jarry made 24 saves.

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

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 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.