In 2012-13, Jack Capuano was in his third year at the helm and the New York Islanders (24-17-7, third in the Atlantic) qualified for the right to face the Penguins (36-12-0, first in the Atlantic) in the first round; The Islanders first appearance in the postseason since 2007.
That year the Isles lost the season series four games to one, as Pittsburgh outscored them 17-9. The Pens iced arguably the deepest roster in their history. Along with stalwarts, Crosby and Malkin, the Pens included players in their prime like, Pascal Dupuis, Chris Kunitz, James Neal, Kris Letang, Brendan Morrow, Jussi Jokinen, and a March deal added Hall of Famer, Jarome Iginla to the mix.