What's Happening?
The Dallas Stars are set to host the New York Islanders at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday night. This game marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season. Dallas, currently second
in the Central Division, has been performing well with a 12-4-3 record and a strong power play percentage of 33.3%. The Stars have historically dominated recent matchups against the Islanders, earning points in nine of their last ten meetings. Key players for Dallas include Wyatt Johnston, who has a three-game point streak against New York, and Sam Steel, who has scored five points in nine career games against the Islanders. Jason Robertson, the NHL's First Star of the Week, is also expected to be a significant contributor, having scored six goals in his last three games. The Islanders, fourth in the Metropolitan Division, come into the game with a 10-7-2 record and a solid penalty kill percentage of 81.5%. Bo Horvat leads the Islanders with 23 points and has been particularly effective against the Stars, scoring 15 points in 22 career games.
Why It's Important?
This matchup is significant for both teams as they seek to solidify their standings in their respective divisions. For the Dallas Stars, maintaining their recent success against the Islanders could help them secure a stronger position in the Central Division. The team's impressive power play and recent performances by key players like Jason Robertson could be pivotal in their quest for playoff contention. On the other hand, the New York Islanders are looking to improve their standing in the Metropolitan Division. A victory against a strong team like Dallas could boost their confidence and momentum as they aim for a playoff spot. The performance of Bo Horvat, who has been a standout player for the Islanders, will be crucial in this endeavor.
What's Next?
Following this game, the Stars and Islanders will meet again in March at UBS Arena, providing another opportunity for both teams to assess their strategies and player performances. The outcome of Tuesday's game could influence adjustments and preparations for their next encounter. Additionally, both teams will continue to focus on their divisional standings, with Dallas aiming to maintain their position near the top and the Islanders striving to climb higher in the Metropolitan Division.
