Kings at Islanders
THE STORY: The New York Islanders need two goals to reach 10,000 in the franchise’s history, which dates back to 1972. If they can accomplish that on Saturday, it could be enough against the low-scoring Los Angeles Kings. The Kings are one of the league’s best defensive teams and in playoff position, but they are last in scoring and have produced just five goals in the first four contests of a six-game road trip. The Islanders are 6-2-2 in their last 10 matches.
TV: 1 p.m. ET; FS-West (Los Angeles), MSG-Plus (New York).
ABOUT THE KINGS (26-19-10): Los Angeles has won one of four games as it ends its road swing with a tough back-to-back in Long Island and Dallas, respectively. Not only has the Kings’ production been down on the trip, they’ve managed just 22.5 shots on goal per game – eight below their average. Leading scorer Anze Kopitar has 12 points in 13 games, but the Kings will need more from forwards Dustin Brown and Mike Richards. Brown has one point in six games and Richards has one goal and five points in 20 contests. In addition, forward Jarret Stoll suffered a lower-body injury Thursday and was placed on injured reserve.
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (22-23-8): New York had points in five straight games until the 4-2 loss to Montreal at home Thursday. With seven goals in the last four games, the Islanders need to get their offense perking again. All-Star John Tavares is having an outstanding season, but has just one point in four games. They will also need more from Michael Grabner, who has one point in eight contests. P.A. Parenteau continues to produce with 24 points in 23 games, and is among the league leaders in assists (37). Matt Moulson is the team leader with 24 goals and a plus-8
OVERTIME:
1. Islanders veteran G Evgeni Nabokov has won six of his last eight decisions, allowing just 11 goals.
2. Los Angeles is 12 for 12 on the penalty kill in the last five games after giving up eight power-play goals in the previous seven contests.
3. The Islanders posted a 3-0 victory over the Kings last season, their first triumph over Los Angeles since 2003.