NYHN Daily: Islanders Not Happy With Penguins Mike Matheson & More

The New York Islanders (8-5-3) face the Pittsburgh Penguins (8-6-1) for a second-straight game tonight. Penguins’ defenseman Mike Matheson added fuel to the rivalry with the Islanders as he took down Mat Barzal Thursday. Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier has shown signs since his return from injury but needs to do more. These stories and more on today’s daily links!

Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson had already left a bad taste in Islander fans’ mouths after his hit ended Johnny Boychuk’s career. Now he went after Mat Barzal. (NYI Hockey Now)

Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier has not been an offensive threat this season and missing nine games due to an injury didn’t help his cause. But now that he is back, he needs to do more to help this hockey team. (NYI Hockey Now)

After the loss on Saturday, Islanders head coach Barry Trotz had some words for Kieffer Bellows. He does not trust his young player writes Arthur Staple. (The Athletic)

A tougher mindset, not enhanced execution, is what the Islanders need in Saturday’s rematch against the Penguins to conclude this four-game road trip. And coach Barry Trotz certainly does not want his team focused on a continued effort to go after defenseman Mike Matheson. (Newsday)

The Islanders’ powerplay struggled to start the season, but recently the units have been red-hot. That is due to the extra practice time the Islanders received after the two Sabres postponements. (NY Sportsday)

The Boston Bruins at least waited a month to drop their first true stink bomb to this obviously weird NHL season. In their loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, there was a lack of urgency, as the team struggled to execute their gameplan. (Boston Hockey Now)

Penguins’ captain Sidney Crosby will play in his 1,000th NHL game today when the puck drops against the Islanders. ‘I Love It As Much As I Did Game One’ said Crosby. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Philadelphia Flyers traveled to Lake Tahoe after practice on Friday as they get set to face the Boston Bruins in the great outdoors on Sunday. (Philly Hockey Now)

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar will be a game-time decision for head coach Jared Bednar ahead of Lake Tahoe game. Veteran defenseman Sam Girard may be back. (Colorado Hockey Now)

The Vegas Golden Knights are less than 24 hours away from playing in their first outdoor game. If the last four seasons are any indication, this will carry more merit than just being a historic moment. (Vegas Hockey Now)

Any worries the Florida Panthers would sleepwalk their way through yet another game with the Detroit Red Wings were put to bed early Friday night. The Panthers came to play. (Florida Hockey Now)

“He looks like a more complete player. He looks stronger.”That what Martin Jones said last night about Dylan Gambrell’s early-season emergence as a go-to San Jose Sharks forward. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Marc-Andre Fleury, the most impactful player in the short history of the Vegas Golden Knights, this weekend will start the highest-profile regular-season game they have played. (NHL.com)

The Golden Knights and Avalanche are all in awe of the scenery at Lake Tahoe. “I think the pictures, as beautiful as they are, don’t do it justice,” Pete DeBoer said. (NHL.com)

Mike Smith remained undefeated this season, making 20 saves for the Edmonton Oilers in a 2-1 win against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday. (NHL.com)

Sidney Crosby’s road to 1,000 NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins has been a memorable journey that began in his NHL debut against the New Jersey Devils in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Oct. 5, 2005. (NHL.com)

Gabriel Landeskog will return to the lineup for the Colorado Avalanche when they play the Vegas Golden Knights in the Bridgestone NHL Outdoors Saturday at Lake Tahoe. (NHL.com)