Ottawa Senators @ New York Islanders – Game 79 Preview
The Ottawa Senators finish off their New York City swing hoping to come home with a 2 game sweep.
(33-31-14, 80 points) 6th Atlantic Division
VS
(31-36-11, 73 points) 8th Metropolitan Division
7:00 PM
Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
TV: Rogers Sportsnet, RADIO: TSN1200
MATCHUP HISTORY
The Islanders have won both matchups so far as they head into the third and final showdown of the season. After taking a 5-4 shootout win in November, the Isles put dirt on the Senators coffin with a 2-1 regulation win last Wednesday back in Ottawa
Apr 2, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders goalie Anders Nilsson (45) makes a save on a shot from Ottawa Senators center Kyle Turris (7) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Islanders defeated the Senators 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
LAST GAMES
Ottawa bounced back from a humiliating loss against the Canadiens on Friday to beat the Rangers 3-2 on Saturday night. The Islanders were blanked 4-0 by Columbus on Sunday evening.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mark Stone, OTT – The audition continues for Stone who has had an extended look in Bobby Ryan‘s spot in the lineup. Scored against the Rangers, snapping a 4 game pointless streak. He is +5 this season.
Matt Carkner, NYI – The former Senators defenseman had 23 minutes in the box on Sunday as he continues to play his agressive style even though the Islanders are out of contention. He is still looking for his first goal as an Islander.
TOP 3 STORYLINES FOR THE GAME
1. Pride – The Senators have little to play for except that, and it has been a recurring theme for the last few games. They showed some against the Rangers after they had lost it against the Habs.
2. Nutshell – The Senators success (or more accurately lack thereof) against the Islanders this season is a microcosm of the Senators season as a whole. This is a team the Sens should beat and they have earned just 1 of a possible 4 points.
3. Star Studded Injury Ward – The Islanders are still playing without John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Michal Granlund and Lubomir Visnovsky, all out with injuries. Ottawa couldn’t take advantage of that last week and it cost them.