Islanders at Flyers
Even a return to home ice could not end the slumber of the New York Islanders, who head back out on the road Thursday for a matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first of three straight contests versus Metropolitan Division rivals. New York has been outscored 15-4 during its three-game losing streak.
After allowing 48 shots in Sunday's 6-1 drubbing in Colorado, the Islanders were outshot 38-26 and gave up three third-period goals in Tuesday's 5-1 loss to Boston. "Adversity is hitting us between the eyes right now as a group, as a staff, as players," New York coach Doug Weight told reporters. "We've got to find a way. ... We have three really big games and we have to figure it out." That also applies to Philadelphia, which opened a four-game homestand by absorbing a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of slumping Pittsburgh. The Flyers had won six of seven in the all-time series against New York entering this season but dropped both ends of a home-and-home set - each in overtime - in late November.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Plus (New York), NBCS Philadelphia
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (20-16-4): Josh Bailey had his career-best 11-game point streak halted Tuesday, but he scored an overtime winner and collected three assists in the two triumphs over Philadelphia in November. The rest of the team's offense is what concerns Weight. “Some guys have disappeared,” Weight said. “We have to challenge them, challenge some ice times. There’s only so many things you can do. But some guys have to start answering the bell on a consistent basis.”
ABOUT THE FLYERS (16-15-8): Philadelphia has dropped four of its last five contests, managing a paltry six goals in the defeats, and has led after the first period in only one of its last 19 games. Brian Elliott has made 14 consecutive starts, but that streak could come to an end after he was yanked after two periods of Tuesday's setback. Back from a lower-body injury, Michal Neuvirth replaced Elliott and turned aside 10-of-11 shots in his first appearance since Nov. 28.
OVERTIME
1. Islanders D Johnny Boychuk, who has been sidelined for three games, practiced Wednesday and hopes to play versus the Flyers.
2. Philadelphia D Ivan Provorov exited Tuesday's game after blocking a shot but participated in practice on Wednesday.
3. New York rookie C Mathew Barzal scored in each matchup versus the Flyers in November.