3 overrated, underrated developments in Penguins-Islanders series

When the postseason begins, the playoff spotlight shines bright on multiple aspects of every series. As the Pittsburgh Penguins return home for Game 3 down 2-0 to the New York Islanders, here’s a look at three developments that have been overrated in their impact on the series and three that have been underrated.

Overrated

Defenseman decisions: On paper, coach Mike Sullivan had a difficult decision to make, choosing between Olli Maatta and Jack Johnson for the last spot among his top six defensemen. On the ice, it hasn’t made much difference. In Game 1, Maatta was a minus-2. In Game 2, Johnson took two penalties and was a minus-1. The Penguins need improvement from their defensive core as a whole, regardless of which player Sullivan decides to scratch.

Fourth-line forwards: The same concept applies to the fourth-line decision between Teddy Blueger and Garrett Wilson. Both have their pluses and minuses, and the debate was rendered moot when Jared McCann missed Game 2 with an upper-body injury.

Not-so-advanced stats: When it comes to even-strength shot attempts, the Penguins have a clear edge in the series –117-88 through two games. It matters not, largely because when it comes to the quality and location of scoring chances, the teams are pretty much even. Neither has a significant edge in high-danger scoring chances or expected goals.

Underrated

Patience problems: Coming into the series, the Penguins said they knew they had to be patient against a structured Islanders team. They’ve done that for the most part, but in key moments, their patience has broken down. A Kris Letang turnover in overtime in Game 1 and an Evgeni Malkin turnover in the third period of Game 2 were critical turning points.

Between the pipes: Matt Murray hasn’t been bad in the first two games, but Robin Lehner has been better, stopping 73 of 78 shots. The Penguins need to get the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Lehner moving side to side as much as the Islanders have done to Murray.

Excellence of execution: Sidney Crosby likes to talk about execution being the key to most games. Through two games, three Islanders forwards were executing better than anyone else in the series. Jordan Eberle and Josh Bailey have two goals apiece. Mathew Barzal has three assists. The Penguins must keep them under wraps.