The New York Islanders are set to close out their seven-game homestand against the Colorado Avalanche, looking for fifth straight win
The New York Islanders (21-20-7) look to make it five straight wins when they take on the Colorado Avalanche (29-20-2) tonight at UBS Arena. Following a great come-from-behind win against a retooled Carolina Hurricane squad. The massive mid-season trade that saw Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall moving to Carolina, Martin Necas and Jack Drury going to Colorado and the Chicago Blackhawks receiving a third-round pick from the Hurricanes, took many people by surprise.
Tonight's game will be televised on MSGN, ESPN+, and HULU, 7:30pm EST.
Colorado's newest additions help team in win against the Rangers
On Sunday, Colorado was facing a NY Rangers team that was looking to continue a 10-game point streak, but the Avs turned out to be too much for the Islanders' cross-town rivals. Colorado scored with just 15 seconds left in regulation time, with both Drury and Necas having a productive game in the 5-4 win. Jack Drury opened the scoring in the first period, with his fourth of the season and Necas assisted on both of Cale Makars' goals.
Isles won last meeting in Colorado
The New York Islanders are looking to sweep the Avs this season, having previously won their last meeting 6-2 in Colorado on October 14, 2024. Islanders goalie, Ilya Sorokin had 32 saves and Brock Nelson had two 2nd period goals to lead the team in the win. While still at the beginning of the season, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy liked what he saw that night saying, "I thought we maybe didn't start the way we wanted, but what I love is we kept our focus and we came back to score." The Islanders have struggled with consistency all season, but just may be hitting their stride at the right time for a playoff push.
Injuries, once again, will be a factor against the Avalanche
During the last game against the Hurricanes, the Islanders again were left mixing and matching their defensive pairings due to an early injury to Ryan Pulock just 15 seconds into the 1st period. As Pulock was circling the back of his net, he inadvertently clipped skates with Jackson Blake, causing him to crash into the boards awkwardly and sustaining an "upper-body injury."
This follows the recent injury to fellow defenseman Noah Dobson, who is going to miss enough time that it prompted Isles GM, Lou Lamoriello to sign former NHLer Tony DeAngelo from the KHL in Russia.
Then, as regulation time came to a close, Islanders goalie Marcus Hogberg pulled himself from the game. Hogberg, who has been the Isles' surprise player of the year with his outstanding play filling in for the injured Semyon Varlamov, appeared to have injured his hand on a play with about five minutes to go. With the team down two goalies, Jakub Skarek has been an emergency recall from the Bridgeport Islanders. Forward Mat Barzal put it best describing the Islanders' injury problem this season saying, βIt's honestly laughable at this point."
The Islanders fate are in their own hands
At this point in this rollercoaster ride of a season, the Islanders know what they must do and that is to be consistent. All teams suffer key injuries and adversity, but it's how you handle the pressure that can lead to success. In a year where the remainder of games are all "must-win" situations, this team has finally pulled together to go on a winning streak and keep their playoff hopes alive. Beating a good team like the Avs will go a long way in building their confidence and proving to themselves that they deserve a spot in this year's playoffs.