Crosby slated to return for slumping Pens vs. Isles

Nov 28, 2006, 16:35 GMT

- The Pittsburgh Penguins try to end a three-game slide tonight when they welcome the New York Islanders to Mellon Arena. The Pens are expected to welcome star center Sidney Crosby back to the ice after he missed three games with a groin injury.

On Saturday the Pens dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to the visiting Rangers, as Martin Straka scored the game-winner with 2.2 seconds remaining in overtime to lift New York.

Evgeni Malkin scored the lone goal in the loss for Pittsburgh, while Marc- Andre Fleury finished with 28 saves.

The Penguins had a chance to emerge victorious 3:40 into overtime, as rookie Jordan Staal was awarded a penalty shot after being hooked down by Fedor Tyutin on a breakaway. Staal saw the puck slip off his stick and he couldn't get a shot on net.

In playing minus Crosby the Penguins were without their leading assist man (20) and top point producer (30).

Malkin netted his club-leading 12th goal of the season, which is two more than Crosby's total. He has found the net in each of the last three contests with Crosby out.

Pittsburgh will visit New Jersey on Friday.

The Islanders, meanwhile, will play their first game without center Alexei Yashin, who will miss up to four weeks with a sprained knee. New York has won its last three games, including Saturday's home tilt against visiting Washington.

Jason Blake had two goals and Rick DiPietro made 33 saves as the Islanders defeated the Capitals, 4-1. Richard Park also scored while Yashin finished with two helpers for the Islanders, who swept a three-game homestand and have won four of their last five games overall.

New York will host Philadelphia on Friday.

The Pens and Isles have split two meetings this season, both on Long Island.

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