Devils at Islanders
The New Jersey Devils continue their search for their first victory of January when they visit the Metropolitan Division-rival New York Islanders on Tuesday. New Jersey dropped a 5-3 home decision to Philadelphia on Saturday for its fourth loss in as many games this month (0-2-2) and sixth straight overall (0-3-3).
The Devils will be traveling to New York for the second time in their last three games, with the first trek ending with a 5-4 shootout loss on Jan. 7. The Islanders posted their third consecutive win on Monday, a 5-4 overtime triumph at Montreal in which captain John Tavares scored his second goal of the night 1:51 into the extra session after the club squandered 2-0 and 4-2 leads. The 27-year-old Tavares tops New York with 54 points after registering four in his last three contests. New Jersey also will need to find a way to slow down rookie Mathew Barzal, who has collected three goals and seven assists over his last three games.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG Plus 2 (New Jersey), MSG Plus (New York)
ABOUT THE DEVILS (22-12-8): Drew Stafford made the most of a rare appearance in the lineup Saturday, scoring his sixth goal of the season in the loss to the Flyers. The 32-year-old right wing, who is a four-time 20-goal scorer, had not played since Nov. 9. All-Star Taylor Hall, who leads the team with 44 points, has collected three goals and five assists during his four-game point streak.
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (23-18-4): A native of Quebec, Anthony Beauvillier skated in his 100th NHL game Monday in Montreal and celebrated by scoring his fourth goal in three contests. The 20-year-old forward has notched a point in each of his first five career games against New Jersey, recording three goals and two assists in those matches. Jordan Eberle has been setting up goals at a rapid pace of late, registering seven assists over his last three games.
OVERTIME
1. The Devils have lost six straight on the road (0-3-3), last winning away from home on Dec. 5 at Columbus.
2. Islanders F Tanner Fritz appeared in his fourth game of the season - and his career - on Monday, recording one shot and a minus-1 rating in 6:27 of ice time one day after being recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League.
3. New Jersey D Sami Vatanen is two assists shy of 100 for his career.