The New York Islanders (3-2-1) and the New Jersey Devils (3-0-2) will battle for first place in the Atlantic division on Thursday.
The Islanders are coming off their best game of the season. New York pummeled the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1 in a game that featured two power play goals and contribution from their top line, second line, and fourth line. Casey Cizikas opened the scoring with a strong steal and wraparound goal. In the second, Michael Grabner added to the lead on a trademark breakaway goal. John Tavares and Matt Moulson added goals on the powerplay to take a 4-0 lead into the third. Evgeni Nabokov has started five of the six games and has won three of the games.
The Islanders will look to avenge their opening night loss to the Devils. New Jersey remains undefeated in regulation despite two straight overtime losses to the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins. In the latter match, Boston carried a 1-0 lead until less than five minutes remaining. Despite the two straight overtime defeats, the Devils remain one point ahead of the Islanders for first place in the Atlantic Division.
On Jan. 19, the Devils defeated the Islanders 2-1. After a scoreless first period, Travis Zajac scored in the second to give the Devils a 1-0 lead. Travis Hamonic tied the score for the Islanders in the third, but Devils' forward David Clarkson scored just one minute and five seconds later to give the Devils the 2-1 lead.
Predictions: The Devils are bound to lose in regulation. Look for the Islanders to win 3-2.
Start: 7 PM EST
TV: MSG PLUS 2, MSG PLUS
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