Islanders at Senators
THE STORY: In the Eastern Conference, no team is out of the race for a playoff spot. Having finished in last place in the Atlantic Division in four straight years and currently parked in that spot again, the New York Islanders are hoping a late push can change their fortunes. The next four games could decide their fate, beginning with a trip to the Ottawa Senators on Sunday. The Senators had a four-game winning streak snapped on Saturday night and are without starting goaltender Craig Anderson, who cut his hand while making himself a meal.
TV: 5 p.m. ET, MSG+ (New York), RSNE (Ottawa)
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (26-27-8): New York is currently eight points behind eighth-place Winnipeg but is headed out on a four-game road trip that will take it through Washington, Philadelphia and Boston after Ottawa. New York lost at home to Ottawa 6-0 on Monday, with Al Montoya and Kevin Poulin combining to allow the six tallies. Evgeni Nabokov returned from a four-game absence Friday and looked sharp with 33 saves as the Islanders picked up their most encouraging victory of the last few weeks, a 4-3 shootout triumph over the rival Rangers.
ABOUT THE SENATORS (32-23-8): Ottawa had a chance to pull within one point of the Northeast Division lead Saturday but instead suffered a 5-3 loss to the Boston Bruins to fall five points out. The Senators have their offense clicking. Jason Spezza had three points on Saturday to push his total to 19 in the last eight games. Erik Karlsson is just as hot, with three points Saturday giving him 15 in the last six. The two combined for six points in Monday’s win over New York. The question mark is in goal. Alex Auld started in Anderson’s place against the Bruins and gave up a few rebounds that turned into scores.
OVERTIME:
1. Islanders RW PA Parenteau drew two game misconduct penalties in the Monday’s meeting.
2. New York had a three-game winning streak in the series before Monday’s debacle.
3. Spezza went over 600 points for his career on Saturday.