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Simon-less Islanders set to face Penguins again

Dec 21, 2007 - 4:13 PM NY Islanders (15-15-2) at Pittsburgh (17-15-2), 7:30 pm EST

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- This time, the Pittsburgh Penguins won't have to worry about Chris Simon stomping on any of their players.

Simon will be serving the second of his NHL-record 30-game suspension when the Penguins host the New York Islanders on Friday.

The 35-year-old Simon was suspended on Wednesday for an incident in last Saturday's 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh. The veteran enforcer took down Penguins left wing Jarkko Ruutu and then stomped on his leg with the blade of his skate.

This is Simon's seventh suspension in his 15-year NHL career, and breaks the previous record of 25 games - also held by Simon, who was disciplined nine months ago for slamming New York Rangers left wing Ryan Hollweg in the face with his stick.

Pittsburgh earned a 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday behind a pair of goals from Evgeni Malkin and a goal and an assist from All-Star Sidney Crosby. The Penguins earned the win despite squandering a 4-0 lead.

The Islanders have lost two in a row and eight of their last 10. Offense has been the problem, as New York has averaged just 1.8 goals per contest during othat span.

After last Saturday's win, the Penguins have taken two of the three contests against the Islanders this season, with each of the games being decided by one goal.