Islanders at Jets
THE STORY: After spending a large amount of time on the road, the
Winnipeg Jets begin a lengthy stretch at home Tuesday when they host
the New York Islanders. Winnipeg, which has lost three of five, played
eight of its last nine games on the road. The Jets are only four points
out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and play 12 of their
next 15 contests at the MTS Centre, where they have gone 2-0-1 in their
last three. New York has lost three of its last five games overall but
has won three straight and five of six on the road.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, MSG Plus 2 (Islanders), TSN (Jets)
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (23-24-8):
Defenseman Ty Wishart could make his season debut as he was recalled
from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League on Monday. The 23-year-old
appeared in 20 games with New York last season after being acquired
from Tampa Bay on Jan. 1, 2011, notching his first career goal and four
assists. Right wing Rhett Rakhshani was sent to Bridgeport after failing
to record a point in five contests with the Islanders. John Tavares
followed his first career All-Star Game appearance with two goals and
two assists against Carolina on Jan. 31. The 21-year-old has registered
only one assist in six games since.
ABOUT THE JETS (26-25-6):
Winnipeg made a minor trade Monday as it acquired Maxime Macenauer from
Anaheim for fellow center Riley Holzapfel. The 23-year-old Macenauer
made his NHL debut with the Ducks earlier this season, recording a goal
and three assists in 29 games. Ondrej Pavelec grabbed a dubious honor
Saturday, becoming the first goaltender this campaign to allow eight
goals in a game in Winnipeg's loss at Pittsburgh.
OVERTIME:
1. The Islanders have dominated the Southeast Division of late, winning seven of eight matchups.
2. Winnipeg is 5-1-2 in its last eight against New York but has lost six of seven versus the Atlantic Division.