NY Islanders take on the NJ Devils in first Metropolitan game this season

LAST GAME

The NY Islanders are coming off a 1-0 loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, the third time they’ve been shut out this season. The Islanders outplayed the Red Wings in nearly every facet of the game but were unable to beat Alex Lyon who made 29 saves. It was the team's first game without Anthony Duclair who will be out 4-6 weeks with a lower-body injury. While it would be easy to look at Duclair’s absence as a reason for not scoring, the Isles were shut out twice with a full lineup. 

Simon Holmstrom slotted into Duclair spot on the top line, registering a single shot. 

HISTORICAL MATCHUP

The Islanders struggled against a New Jersey Devils team last season that played well below their standards. The Islanders took just one point in three matchups, a 5-4 OT loss in the third game of the season. The Devils have improved their roster significantly this season, but are struggling to keep the puck out of their own net surrendering 19 goals in their last three games and are on the second half of a back-to-back.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Mat Barzal has played below his high standard so far this season, registering one goal and two assists through six games. With Duclairs absence, Barzal will need to be one of the players who step up and take on a more significant role. Barzal is expected to improve on his 80-point season last year, and tonight would be a great night to get that back in track against a team surrendering goals at will.

Luke Hughes returned from injury last night against the Red Wings after missing the start of the season with an injury. In his return, Hughes finished the night with his first point of the campaign, but also finished a -1 like many of his teammates. Hughes will be a significant piece on the Devils blue line in determining where they wind up in the standings.