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With Crosby back in fold, Penguins meet Islanders

Mar 27, 2008 - 12:56 PM NY Islanders (34-36-7) at Pittsburgh (44-26-7) 7:30 pm EDT

PITTSBURGH (Ticker) - The Pittsburgh Penguins were able to clinch a playoff berth with Sidney Crosby missing significant time. With him back, they hope they can take over the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings.

With Crosby expected to be in the lineup for the first time in eight games, the Penguins attempt to take hold of the No. 1 spot in the East when they host the New York Islanders on Thursday.

Pittsburgh has won five of its last seven without Crosby, including a 2-0 victory over New Jersey on Tuesday - a victory that clinched a playoff berth for the Penguins.

Marc-Andre Fleury turned away 32 shots to win his fifth straight start while Marian Hossa and Ryan Malone each scored goals for the Penguins.

With conference-leading Montreal (43-24-10) idle until Friday, the Penguins will have an opportunity to overtake the Canadiens with a win against the Islanders.

Crosby, who has missed 28 of the Pittsburgh's last 31 games because of a high ankle sprain, is the reigning Art Ross and Hart Memorial Trophy winner.

Pittsburgh has gone 16-8-4 this season without its franchise player, but one of its setbacks in that time was Monday's 4-1 loss to the Islanders.