Islanders Vs. Penguins Final Score: New York Blows First-Period Lead, Loses 6-3 To Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Penguins left winger James Neal netted two goals and the New York Islanders couldn't hang onto a two-goal, first-period margin Saturday, as the Isles lost, 6-3, in an Eastern Conference Atlantic Division contest at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. The Islanders (9-12-6) dropped its second consecutive game, while the Penguins (17-9-4) remain just a point behind the Philadelphia Flyers in the Atlantic Division standings. 

Defenseman Milan Jurcina and left winger David Ullstrom both scored first-period goals, respectively, for New York, which led 2-0 just 8:44 left in the 20-minute session.. The Islanders led 3-2 after Kyle Okposo scored 2:35 into the second period, but Pittsburgh responded with four unanswered goals to blow open the contest and snap a two-game losing streak.

Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury saved 26-of-27 shots, while Al Montoya allowed four goals on 31 shots. The Islanders finished the game 1-of-7 on power-play opportunities.

For more about New York Islanders Hockey, check out the SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey.