David Ullstrom. Photo by: Stacy Podelski

The road to the playoffs for the New York Islanders (26-27-8) will literally be determined on the road, as the guys embark on an eight-day, four-game trip starting in Ottawa, Canada tonight. The Islanders will look to take the momentum from a 4-3 shootout victory over Metropolitan-area rival the New York Rangers on Friday, and use it to propel them to the eighth and final playoff spot.

New York, who takes on the Senators (32-23-8), will look for a measure of revenge, as the last time the Isles saw Ottawa, it was in a disappointing 6-0 loss at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Welcome Back: The Islanders roster was bolstered by the return of blueliner Travis Hamonic and cager Evgeni Nabokov on Friday night.  Hamonic and Nabokov were both a huge part of the Orange and Blue’s victory over the Blueshirts, as both men contributed big-time in the win.

Hamonic tallied 22:38 of ice time, putting two shots on net, while dropping down to block three offensive opportunities by the Rangers in his first game back from a broken nose.  Nabokov, meanwhile stopped 33 shots, including having a great poke-check against Blueshirts captain Ryan Callahan of a goal in the extra session.

Simply the best:  John Tavares, Matt Moulson and P.A. Parenteau currently ranked among the NHL’s top 30 in points, as of Saturday Tavares has 60 points, while Parenteau and Moulson have 56 and 52 respectively.

Movers and Shakers: The New York Islanders continue to be movers and shakers, as the organization is trying to find the pieces to the puzzle that will help in propelling them to that eighth and final playoff spot.

The team announced on Saturday that they recalled winger David Ullstrom, while placing Brian Rolston on waivers.

First time for everything:  The team looks to win for the first time in back-to-back games in the month of February, as the guys have been on a rollercoaster of a season. This is the time of year that underdogs are made of, and a good string of hockey will help push the Isles to that coveted playoff spot.

The Islanders/Senators game is scheduled to air on the MSG Plus network, with face-off slated for 5:00 p.m.

Written on February 26, 2012