Here are some notes as the New York Islanders (25-33-9) return home to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to take on the San Jose Sharks (43-17-7) in NHL action on Friday night.
Last Game:
3/10/14: NYI 7 at VAN 4
The New York Islanders tied the franchise record for goals in a period, scoring seven in the third frame Monday en route to a 7-4 comeback win over the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Seven different Islanders scored in the third-period, as the team erased a 3-0 deficit.
TONIGHT’S MATCHUP
Fresh off a four-game tour through Western Canada, the Islanders return to Long Island to open a four-game home stand tonight against the San Jose Sharks. Earlier this season, the Isles rallied from a 2-0 deficit to earn a 3-2 shootout win over the Sharks on December 10 at the SAP Center.
TEAM NOTES:
College Signing: The Islanders announced Tuesday that defenseman Kevin Czuczman (pronounced “Churchman”) agreed to terms on a two-year, entry-level contract. Czuczman, 23, posted career highs in goals (10) and points (21) in 36 games as a junior at Lake Superior State University. The Port Elgin, ON, native’s 10 goals led all Western Collegiate Hockey Association defensemen. He also led all Lakers defensemen in points, ranking fourth overall on the team, and led the club in penalty minutes (73).
Streaking: Colin McDonald is on a four-game point streak, with two goals and two assists over that stretch.
Back-To-Backs: The Islanders open their 15th set of back-to-back games tonight vs. San Jose. They are 6-7-1 on the front-end and 5-7-2 on the back-end of back-to-backs this season. The club will total 17 back-to-back sets in 2013-14.
Seven-Goal Frame: The Islanders scored seven goals in the third period of Monday’s dramatic comeback victory in Vancouver. The seven goals tied an NHL record for goals in a road period and tied the franchise record for goals in a period (seven vs NYR on 12/23/78). The Isles scored three power play goals in the third period, tying the club record.
MILESTONE WATCH:
Kyle Okposo – 2 goals shy of 100
The Islanders v Sharks game is set to air on the MSG Plus Network, with face-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.