Game Preview: New York Islanders look to extend winning streak against Ottawa Senators

The New York Islanders will take on the Ottawa Senators on Sunday evening at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Islanders are looking to build momentum after a huge win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. However, the Isles will be playing on back-to-back nights, making the matchup challenging for the Isles.

Fans can catch all the action on MSG+ and ESPN+ with puck drop slated for 5 pm EST.

LAST GAME

The New York Islanders (10-11-7) got a huge win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night. Therefore 4-3 win was highlighted by a three-point night from JG Pageau and goals from Bo Horvat and Maxim Tsypklaov. Ilya Sorokin made 28 saves. Most importantly, the Isles did not crumble down the stretch, holding the lead down to the wire. The Isles are now two points back of the New York Rangers for fourth place in the Metro Division and could get there with a win over the Sens.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators (12-12-2) enter this matchup fifth in the Atlantic Division, well behind the Boston Bruins for third place, but two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning for fourth. The Sens pulled out a gutsy 3-1 win over the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. As such, both the Isles and Sens will be playing on back-to-back nights, placing them on equal footing.

HISTORICAL MATCHUP

The New York Islanders are 7-3 in their last 10 games against the Ottawa Senators. The Isles won their last matchup 4-2 on November 7, giving the Isles a seemingly decided advantage over the Sens. Over those last 10 games, the Isles have outscored the Sens 34-21, while notching seven power play goals for a 25% rate. However, the Sens have outshot the Islanders 332-325 during that span.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For the New York Islanders, Bo Horvat will be the player to watch. Horvat snapped a 14-game goalless drought against the Hurricanes. So, this could be the beginning of a hot streak for Horvat. Similarly, Noah Dobson, JG Pageau, and Maxim Tsyplakov all look to continue firing on all cylinders.

For Ottawa, Josh Norris will be one player to keep an eye on. Also, captain Brady Tkachuk will be another player to watch amid potential trade rumors. Overall, the Sens have a talented team with rising stars like Tim Stutzle and Drake Batherson, which should make the game interesting to follow.