Well you knew Matt Duchene was going to play at least one game in Brooklyn this season. The Colorado Avalanche make their annual trip to face the New York Islanders. The Avs have been one of the early surprises of the season going 8-5-0.
The Islanders are 4-0-1 at Barclays this season and have owned the Avs since moving to Brooklyn, winning their last three games by a combined score of 16-4.
Thomas Greiss will make his first start in four games. His last start was the disaster in Minnesota, allowing six goals on 33 shots. Jaroslav Halak, who started the previous three games, struggled in Thursday's loss to the Washington Capitals. Three of the four goals allowed by Halak were on him.
Scott Mayfield will return to the lineup. The defenseman has also been out since the Minnesota game.
Josh Bailey has been on a tear this season. He currently is riding a eight-game point streak, the longest active streak in the NHL. He has 13 points (2G, 11A) during the streak. Bailey is tied for 11th in NHL scoring with 16 points. Bailey's linemate, Anders Lee, is streaking as well. He has points (6G, 7A) in seven straight games.
Lets not forget about John Tavares. The captain has 11 points in last five games. John Tavares is the first Islander player with 12 goals in the first 13 games since Mark Parrish had 12 in 2001-02.