Islanders at Red Wings
The New York Islanders are back in a groove following a recent slump but they face a tough road in their bid to overtake the Washington Capitals for first place in the Metropolitan Division. The Islanders will play eight of their final 12 games away from home, beginning with a visit to the reeling Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon.
New York has won four of five and is coming off back-to-back victories over playoff contenders, blanking Columbus 2-0 before skating to a 2-1 win over Montreal on Thursday. "This is the kind of hockey and tight games we're going to see the rest of the way," captain Anders Lee said. "These are the tight games you have to have." While the Islanders sit two points behind division-leading Washington, the Red Wings are in a free fall and tied with Los Angeles for the second-fewest points in the league. Detroit has dropped four in a row and 12 of 13 (1-9-3) after blowing a three-goal lead in a 5-4 defeat to NHL-best Tampa Bay on Thursday.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, MSG-Plus (New York), FS Detroit
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (41-22-7): Defenseman Johnny Boychuk, sidelined for the past two games due to an upper-body injury, practiced Friday and will accompany the team for the two-game trip to Detroit and Minnesota. Goaltender Robin Lehner, who served as the backup to Thomas Greiss on Thursday after sitting out the previous three games, will get the start in one of the weekend games, coach Barry Trotz said Friday. Lee has scored in back-to-back contests, including the game-winner Thursday night, to boost his team-high total to 25.
ABOUT THE RED WINGS (24-37-10): Center Dylan Larkin, who leads the team in goals (27), assists (35) and points (62), said Friday that he will return to the lineup against the Islanders after missing the past five games due to a neck injury. "I don't feel I'm rushing (back). It's been pretty tough to watch this past week," Larkin said. "I want to be out there. I feel 100 percent. I feel ready to help this team out." Former Princeton star Ryan Kuffner will make his NHL debut Saturday in place of forward Justin Abdelkader (undisclosed).
OVERTIME
1. New York is 0-for-22 on the power play over the past 10 games.
2. The Red Wings sent F Filip Zadina to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League.
3. The Islanders have won the past four matchups against Detroit by one goal, including both this season.
OVERTIME: Islanders 3, Red Wings 2