The New York Islanders and Colorado Avalanche have high-powered offenses and high-anxiety defenses. That’s a combo for lots of goals.
- New York Islanders: 5th in Metro, (7-5-1, 15 points)
- Colorado Avalanche: 3rd in Central, (8-5-0, 16 points)
- 6 p.m. ET
- Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
- TV: MSG+
- Wildcard Goaltending
- Top-Line Thriving
The New York Islanders will look to continue their strong start to the season against the Colorado Avalanche, a team that has improved since their last-place finish in 2017.
The Isles’ loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday night stung. The team played a dominant game and kept the Caps’ top line quiet. Instead, an unlikely hero, depth forward Lars Eller, came out with a three-point performance. A major factor in that loss was Jaroslav Halak‘s dismal showing. With only two shots faced in the third period, all he had to do was make two saves and the Isles would have gotten a point. On the contrary, the Islanders left the nation’s capital pointless.
Sunday night at the Barclays Center, the Islanders look to have the same type of team performance with steadier goaltending from the likes of Thomas Greiss. The German netminder hasn’t played since he was named the starter in Minnesota and the Islanders lost 6-4.
One thing the Isles will look to continue is the play of their special teams. The Islanders went a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill and 2-for-4 on the power play against the Capitals. Both the Islanders and Avalanche power plays are in the top half of the league with a conversion percentage of 19 percent or higher.
As for the penalty kill, the Isles are middle of the pack while Colorado has seen more success. With both teams scoring over three goals per game and in the lower half of the league in goals against, it would not be surprising to see Sunday’s contest be a high-scoring affair.
Finally, the top line has been stellar for the Isles of late. The combination of Anders Lee, John Tavares and Josh Bailey provides muscle, pure skill and playmaking ability. Bailey is on a tear, registering 16 points in 13 games. Tavares has 17 points in 13 games and has been the backbone of the Islanders offense since the start of the season.
The only change for the Islanders tonight will come on defense.
Doug Weight: Greiss in goal tonight. Same forwards, Mayfield in for Hickey. #Isles #COLvsNYI pic.twitter.com/LCY9mfy3vp
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 5, 2017
Tonight’s pregame will be the Islanders turn for Hockey Fights Cancer. In celebration, a portion of the proceeds from the tickets bought will be donated to Stand Up To Cancer.
For every ticket purchased through this link with a portion of proceeds benefitting @SU2C, you'll receive a #HockeyFightsCancer rally towel. https://t.co/XRVtOdXpe2
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 4, 2017
Puck drop is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET in Brooklyn.
