The New York Islanders (13-15-7) return from their holiday hiatus against the surging Pittsburgh Penguins (16-15-5). For the Islanders, it kicks off a pair of back-to-back sets they have, starting with these Penguins.

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

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.