Ottawa Senators vs New York Islanders – Game 76 Preview

The Ottawa Senators will try to move within 3 points of the final playoff spot and extend their winning streak to 4 games when they host a disappointing and very undermanned Islanders team.

(30-35-10, 70 points)  8th Metropolitan Division

VS

(32-39-14, 76 points)  6th Atlantic Division

7:00 PM

Canadian Tire Centre

TV:  TSN;  RADIO:  TSN1200

MATCHUP HISTORY

This is the 2nd meeting of the season between the Isles and Senators.  New York came into Ottawa and left with a 5-4 shootout win in early November.

Nov 1, 2013; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa Senators centre Jason Spezza (19) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Islanders defeated the Senators 5-4 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

LAST GAMES

Ottawa extended their winning streak to 3 games with a 2-1 shootout victory over the Hurricanes.  The Islanders are playing their best hockey of the season, and coming off a 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Calvin de Haan, NYI – The Carp native has become a fixture on the Islanders blue line this season, and has topped the 20 minute mark in every game since the Olympic Break ended. He has never played against the Senators and will obviously be making his hometown debut.

Milan Michalek, OTT – The resurgent Michalek has 10 points in his last 12 games, and after thinking there was no chance that he would be re-signed in Ottawa, there have been rumblings that it might happen, at the right price.

TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

1. Hanging By A Thread – This is yet another must win game for the Senators, and dropping any point will certainly be the end.  This is a recording.

2. Rookie Isles – The Islanders will be dressing as many as 10 rookies, with injuries to stars John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Michael Grabner and Lubomir Visnovsky.

3.  Back To Back – The Islanders played at home last night, and the Senators need to jump on them early and  not let up.