The Islanders are so, so, so badly in need of a bounce back from their horrific disassembly at home by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night. Unfortunately, they have to do it against the Buffalo Sabres, who are vying for first overall in the conference.
The Sabres are currently in a three-way tie with 98 points, though both Tampa Bay and Carolina have a game in hand — and history — on their side with less than 10 games to go.
The Islanders remain in a playoff spot before play begins, but their primary
rivals are also in action and/or have games or games in hand. But the past few weeks have been all over the map, so they could just as easily, or at least believably, hurl a 3-0 shutout or a dramatic 4-3 comeback win as they could infuriate us on consecutive nights.
First Islanders Goal picks go here.
- About last night: Turrible [LHH] | Eight goals [Newsday]
- Post-game, Patrick Roy was non-committal on who gets the start in net tonight. [Post]
- Previewing tonight. [Isles]
- The AHL board has approved the Islanders’ moving their AHL affiliate from Bridgeport to Hamilton, Ontario. That’s a place in Canada that once had dreams of an NHL franchise. [Newsday]
Elsewhere
Other potentially important games tonight, as the Isles enter with 89 points and 75 games played:
- The Bruins (92 pts, 74 GP) host the Stars
- The Canadiens (94 pts, 73 GP) visit the Lightning
- The Senators (86 pts, 73 GP) visit the Panthers
- The Penguins (90 pts, 74 GP) host the Red Wings (86 pts, 73 GP)
- The Blue Jackets (88 pts, 74 GP) host the Hurricanes
- The Flyers (still alive! 86 pts, 73 GP) visit the Capitals (83 pts, 74 GP)
