Here are some notes for those New York Islanders (4-3-3) fans getting ready to watch the guys who will be playing host tothe Philadelphia Flyers in NHL action on Saturday night at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Isles Celebrating. Photo by: Stacy Podelski
Last Game:
10/25/13: NYI 4 at PIT 3
Josh Bailey’s game-winning goal with 1:40 to play capped off a three-goal third period as the New York Islanders stormed back from 2- 1 and 3-2 deficits to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3 Friday at CONSOL Energy Center.
TONIGHT’S MATCHUP
The Islanders host Philadelphia in the first of four meetings between the clubs this season. The Islanders have won two of their last three against the Flyers, who snapped a four-game losing streak Thursday with a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers. John Tavares leads all Islanders in career scoring against Philadelphia with 17 points (9g/8a) in 22 games, while Vincent Lecavalier leads all Flyers in career points against the Islanders, with 46 points (23g/23a) in 50 games.
ALL TIME ISLANDERS VS. FLYERS:
All-Time Record: 93-121-31
2012-13 Record: 2-2-0
Last Regulation Win: 4/9/13 – NYI 4 vs. PHI 1
Last Regulation Loss: 4/25/13 – NYI 1 at PHI 2 Overtime Record (W-L-T): 6-6-14
Last Overtime Decision: 11/23/11 – NYI 3 vs. PHI 4 Shootout Record: 2-2
Last Shootout: 3/28/13 – NYI 4 at PHI 3
TEAM NOTES:
JT Streaking: John Tavares has a point in nine-straight games (4g/8a), matching the longest point streak in the NHL this season (Jiri Hudler) and marking the second-longest point streak of his career (he had a 12 game streak in 2011-12). The only game this season in which Tavares did not record a point was the season opener. Tavares has an assist in five straight games, one shy of the longest assist streak in the league this season (Crosby).
Other Streakers: Frans Nielsen and Matt Moulson each have goals in three straight games.
Moulson is also on a five-game point streak (5g/3a). Kyle Okposo is on a four-game point/assist streak (2g/5a). Nielsen has posted back-to-back three point night’s in his last two games.
Martinek Debut: Veteran defenseman Radek Martinek made his season debut last night in Pittsburgh and matched a career high with two points. Martinek signed a one-year deal on Oct. 23.
30+ Minutes: The Islanders have had a defenseman reach the 30 minute mark in three straight games. Andrew MacDonald did so twice, including a career-high 31:26 Tuesday vs. Vancouver, while Travis Hamonic posted a career-high 30:21 last night in Pittsburgh.
NHL Scoring Race: Frans Nielsen (6g/8a) is tied with Steven Stamkos for fourth in the NHL scoring race with 14 points. John Tavares (4g/8a) is tied for seventh with 12 points, while Kyle Okposo (3g/8a) is tied for 17th in the league with 11 points.
Shootout Leaders: Best shootout percentage among active NHL players (minimum 15 shots):
1. Matt Hendricks NSH (9/15) 60.0%
2. Matt Moulson NYI (9/16) 56.7%
3. Frans Nielsen NYI (25/48) 52.1%
UPCOMING MILESTONES
Okposo – 4 points shy of 200
Hamonic – 7 games shy of 200
The Islanders and Flyers game is set to air on the MSG Plus network, with face-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.