Islanders vs. Predators: Keys to getting first win at home

Back at home and looking for another two points, the New York Islanders are looking for back-to-back wins for the first time since the beginning of November when they beat Montreal and Winnipeg.
Standing in their way are the Nashville Predators.

A good Nashville side mind you. This year the Preds are 14-10-1 with a 0.580 points percentage. And they're a step ahead of the Isles in just about every single category.

New York Islanders vs. Nashville Predators: Hoping for more

The tale of the tape doesn't bode well for the New York Islanders tonight. Again, the Preds are better in every single way than the isles, at least on paper of course.

The Preds scores 0.83 goals per game more than the Islanders do and allow .15 fewer goals against per game. That's last part is perhaps the one to latch on for the Islanders. If they can stifle the Preds offense they might be able to carve out a few chances facing a leaky Predators defense.

Of course, that's easier said than done. But on the key to the Isles "stifling" the Preds offense plan starts with not taking stupid penalties (of course, that specifically means Scott Mayfield). The Preds boast a potent power play at 23.6% efficiency (tenth best in the NHL).

Sure the Islanders have one of the better penalty kills in the NHL (11th best with a 82.5% efficiency), but best not to try their luck, right?

If they can play a disciplined game and keep their defensive shape, they'll be in a good place to MAYBE get the first win at the UBS Arena.

Where to catch tonight's game

You can watch tonight's game on TV via MSG and MSG GO. Any ESPN+ subscribers can also get the game with their subscription of course.

Want to be there in person? Great, you can buy tickets for the game here. Remember that puck drop is at 7:30 PM tonight. Not 7:00 PM.

Can't watch in person or on TV? You can tune in to these radio stations to have a listen:
88.7FM, 103.9FM, 98.7FM