Islanders at Maple Leafs
THE STORY: The New York Islanders snuffed out a five-game winless streak against one Original Six opponent. They'll look to win consecutive games against another on Tuesday against the host Toronto Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs had a two-game winning run demolished in an 8-0 loss to Boston on Monday. That let out what little air was left in Toronto’s playoff hopes. The Maple Leafs have won all three meetings with New York this season.
TV: 7 p.m., MSG+, RSNO
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (29-32-11): Motivational factors are scarce in Long Island, with the Islanders battling the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference basement. Saturday’s 3-2 six-round shootout win tied New York with Montreal at 69 points. All-Star John Tavares has five goals and two assists in last five games, upping his season total to 70 points. One more point will put his name among Islanders legends Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier and Denis Potvin, who all recorded 71 points or more at age 21 or younger.
ABOUT THE MAPLE LEAFS (32-33-8): The honeymoon was over for James Reimer Monday night. After allowing just two goals on a total of 65 shots in wins over Ottawa and Tampa Bay, the Maple Leafs netminder was chased after giving up four goals on nine shots in the first 13 minutes of action. Toronto wrapped a season-high five-game road trip in Boston, winning just twice and getting outscored 15-2 in those losses.
OVERTIME:
1. Toronto’s 8-0 loss to Boston was the second lopsided beatdown handed out by the defending Stanley Cup champs. The Bruins blanked the Leafs 7-0 on Nov. 5, 2011.
2. All-Star Phil Kessel recorded his 35th goal of the season versus Ottawa and is one away from tying his career high, set during his final season with the Bruins in 2008-09.