When, Where: Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., UBS Arena
TV, Radio: BSM, WXOS (101.1 FM)
About the Islanders: After reaching the NHL's Final Four over the past two seasons, losing to both-time Stanley Cup champions Tampa Bay, it looks like the Islanders won't even make it to the playoffs this year. At 20-23-8, they are sixth in the Metropolitan Division and 19 points out of a second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. Scoring has been an issue with Isles ranked 28th in the league with 2.55 goals per game. Brock Nelson leads with 19 goals, followed by Anders Lee with 14 goals.
The defense, a hallmark under coach Barry Trotz, remained strong with the Islanders eighth in both goals (2.77 per game) and penalty kills (82.4 percent). Rookie of the Year 2018 Calder Trophy winner Matthew Barzal and veteran defenseman Zdeno Chara have been sidelined due to injuries last week. The timing of the trade with the bait blues has been the subject of speculation.