Game preview: New York Islanders take on the Colorado Avalanche on the road (Game 3)

The New York Islanders face off against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on Monday nights. The Islanders will be looking for their first win of the season after dropping two straight. Similarly, the Colorado Avalanche will be looking to get into the win column following two tough losses.

The game is an interesting matchup as it marks the first time Patrick Roy returns to Denver as head coach of the New York Islanders. Roy played for the Avalanche after leaving the Montreal Canadiens in the mid-90s. Then, he coached the team for parts of three seasons, winning a Jack Adams in 2014.

Puck drop is set for 9 pm EST. Fans can catch the game on MSGSN, MSG+, and ESPN+.

LAST GAME

The New York Islanders got shut out 3-0 by the Dallas Stars on Saturday night at the American Airlines Center. While the Islanders played a relatively good game overall, they were unable to get past Jake Oettinger and the Star’s defense, keeping them off the scoresheet. The game boiled down to a couple of defensive miscues which cost the Isles leading to the disappointing result.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche lost their last game against the Columbus Blue Jackets 6-4 in what seemed to be a tough game for Colorado goaltenders. The Avs have given up 14 goals in two seasons thus far season. As such, the Avs will be looking to improve their defensive effort in spite of having one of the league’s most talented core of offensive players.

HISTORICAL MATCHUP

Monday night’s game is the first of two matchups for the clubs this season.

Last season, the Colorado Avalanche took both games from the New York Islanders. On October 24, 2023, the Avs won 7-4 on a four-point night from Mikko Rantanen at UBA Arena. The win was Colorado’s 15th straight on the road at the time. Meanwhile, the Avs edged the Isles on January 2, 2024, with a 5-4 OT win on Nathan MacKinnon’s game-winning tally.

The two teams did not meet in the postseason last year or the preseason this season. Both clubs have largely brought back the same lineups this season. So, fans can expect to see many similar faces.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

For the Isles, the top line continues to be the most exciting trio to watch. Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Anthony Duclair continue to play despite being held off the scoresheet last time around. Fans should also keep an eye on the bottom six. In particular, Oliver Wahlstrom and Simon Holmstrom will be fighting to keep their roster spots. So, fans should keep an eye on how well those two players perform.

As for the Avalanche, the biggest question mark is goaltending. So, fans should pay close attention to who gets the start for Colorado. Both netminders have struggled thus far, potentially putting more pressure on the Avalanche offense to outscore the Islanders.