Islanders at Sabres
The New York Islanders are banking on a matchup against the league's worst team to get their offense back on track as they visit the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. The Islanders have dropped four of their last five games, and their normally potent attack has produced only eight goals during the slide. "We had some chances, but we have to find a way to score some goals," New York coach Jack Capuano said after Saturday's 2-1 setback at Boston.
The Islanders pumped in 32 goals during a 6-1-0 stretch prior to the current offensive malaise, but they will be squaring off against a Buffalo squad that has scored the fewest goals in the league. The Sabres have won two of three following a franchise-record 14-game losing streak and beat Dallas 3-2 on Saturday for their first home win since a 4-3 shootout victory over New York on Dec. 27. Buffalo has not won consecutive games since a four-game streak from Dec. 9-15.
TV: 5 p.m. ET, MSG Plus (New York), MSG (Buffalo)
ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (33-18-1): New York could be short-handed for Sunday's matchup as defenseman Calvin de Haan was cut on the face by a skate and forward Cal Clutterbuck sat out the third period due to an upper-body injury Saturday. Captain John Tavares scored the only goal against the Bruins - his fifth in the last eight games and 24th of the season, matching his total from last campaign. Tavares also registered his 11th goal on the power play to tie his career high established during his rookie season of 2009-10.
ABOUT THE SABRES (16-34-3): Chris Stewart assisted on all three goals in Saturday's victory, boosting his point total to nine over the last eight games and further enhancing his value with the trade deadline looming. Goaltender Jhonas Enroth quietly has put together a solid three-game stretch (2-1-0) following a six-start losing streak, turning aside 97-of-103 shots. "We owe a lot to Jhonas," said Tyler Ennis, who ended a five-game drought with his 13th goal. "He played great tonight. He's been great all year."
OVERTIME
1. Tavares scored twice in the loss to Buffalo in December and has nine goals and 20 points in 20 career games versus the Sabres.
2. Sabres LW Matt Moulson has three goals and four points in three games against his former team.
3. Islanders G Jaroslav Halak is 5-2-0 lifetime against Buffalo.