Islanders at Flyers
THE STORY: The Philadelphia Flyers have certainly found themselves behind the eight-ball. More to the point, coach Peter Laviolette's charges have surrendered the first goal to start eight consecutive contests. After splitting a four-game road trip, the Flyers will look to get the early jump on the New York Islanders on Thursday when the Atlantic Division rivals meet in the City of Brotherly Love.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG+2, CSP
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (26-28-9): New York saw a golden opportunity go by the boards on Tuesday. The Islanders squandered a two-goal lead with just over three minutes remaining in the third period and dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to the Washington Capitals. The three-point shift in the standings allowed the eighth-place Capitals to claim an eight-point advantage over Jack Capuano's club. LW Matt Moulson has certainly been doing his part, netting two goals and two assists in his last three games.
ABOUT THE FLYERS (34-21-7): Philadelphia has traditionally enjoyed the comforts of home - but not this season. The Flyers have dropped seven of their last 10 at Wells Fargo Center and have lost more than they've won (14-10-5). A return home may not be a welcome thought for G Ilya Bryzgalov, who has been serenaded by the boo birds from the Flyers faithful as of late. Signed to a nine-year, $51 million contract in the offseason, Bryzgalov is looking to build off a strong effort in the shootout versus the Calgary Flames on Saturday and a tough 1-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday.
OVERTIME:
1. Islanders veteran G Evgeni Nabokov turned aside all 45 shots he faced - as well as both shootout attempts - in a 1-0 triumph over the Flyers on Feb. 7. The 36-year-old Russian is 8-1-2 in his career versus Philadelphia.
2. Despite being the highest scoring team in the league, the Flyers have been shut out in two of their last three games.