After rattling off eight straight games with at least one, if not two points, the Islanders failed to earn any points in Pittsburgh.
In gaining four points, the Penguins moved into a four-way tie with the Isles, Capitals, and Flyers for second-place. The Islanders, with the most games played in the East at 17, technically sit in fifth place—and sixth if we go by point percentage because the Devils have only played 12 games thus far.
Perhaps the Islanders can solidify their spot in the top four over the upcoming stretch of home games; they will play nine of their next ten at Nassau Coliseum, mostly against the familiar February foes, the Sabres, Bruins, and Penguins.