Islanders at Blackhawks
THE STORY: The Chicago Blackhawks navigated through a difficult month of November that included 10 of 14 away from home to stay near the top of the Western Conference. After losing the first at home following a six-game road swing, the Blackhawks are looking to get a run going Friday when the New York Islanders pay a visit. Chicago has struggled at times on defense, but has four players among the top 30 scorers in the league. The Islanders should provide a stern test, despite their overall record. New York has allowed just four goals in the last three games and has won its last two to start a four-game road trip.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET; MSG-Plus (New York), CSN (Chicago).
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (7-11-4): Al Montoya is evolving as a steady NHL puck stopper in his sixth season. Sandwiched around missing time with a hamstring injury, Montoya is 4-3-1 with a 2.07 goals-against average and a stellar .933 save percentage. The Islanders will need to get their offense cranked up. Leading scorer John Tavares is without a goal in 11 games. Linemate Matt Moulson tied Tavares for the team lead with his eighth goal against Buffalo Tuesday.
ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (14-8-3): Chicago is getting about a point a game from four players. Captain Jonathan Toews leads in goals (13) and points (25). Marian Hossa and Patrick Kane have 24 points each and Patrick Sharp 23. Kane is expected to move from center to wing Friday. The Blackhawks will have to improve on defense, especially on the penalty kill. Goaltender Corey Crawford is 11-7-2 overall, but just 2-3-0 with an .870 save percentage his last five starts. Chicago has killed off all four power plays in the last two games, but is still last in the league at 74.7 percent.
OVERTIME
1. New York had beaten Chicago in six straight games before the Blackhawks’ 5-0 victory last January.
2. The Islanders were 21.3 percent on the power play in October; 10.3 in November.
3. Sharp has 92 shots on goal, third in the league through Wednesday’s games.