The last time the New York Islanders met the Minnesota Wild was all the way back on November 7th. That game ended 5-2 for the Wild and started an eleven-game slide for the Islanders.
It was truly a dark time for the Isles the last time these two teams met. Can the Isles use this re-match to launch themselves into a winning streak instead? Obviously, we all hope so.
Just like anything in the NHL, it's easier said than done. Minnesota is a playoff team. With 55 points in 39 games, they hold the first Wild Card spot in the West (two points outside of the top-three in the Central).
Just on the Wild's standing alone means the Isles are likely to struggle today. The Isles are 2-11-3 against playoff teams after all. The Islanders need to start turning that narrative against the better teams in the league. Maybe they do that today? Please?
New York Islanders vs. Minnesota Wild
The lineup is going to look the same as it did a few nights ago against the Los Angeles Kings. Ryan Pulock is skating with the team but hasn't been cleared to return to the lineup. Kieffer Bellows was with the extras again so expect him not to dress today.
This is how the Isles will likely look tonight:
Lee-Barzal-Bailey
Beauvillier-Nelson-Palmieri
Parise-Pageau-Wahlstrom
Martin-Clutterbuck-Cizikas
Chara-Dobson
Pelech-Mayfield
Salo-Greene
Sorokin (Varlamov)
Betting Odds
The Wild are favored today, but slightly. WynnBet has the Isles money line at -105 to the Wilds -115. Why? Well, the Isles are the home team, so that carries an advantage already, but the Wild are a better team and enter today's game with a four-game winning streak.
Where to catch the game?
Live: 7:30 PM @ UBS Arena
TV: MSG+, MSG Go, ESPN+
Radio: 88.7FM, 98.7FM, and 103.9FM