Ryan Strome returns to face his former team tonight at the Barclays Center. The fifth overall selection in the 2011 NHL draft was traded to Edmonton in June for Jordan Eberle. Strome has yet to find his way with the Oilers, racking up five points this season. "There were a lot of ups and downs but I loved my time in New York," Strome told EdmontonOilers.com. "I have a lot of good memories."
Eberle has 11 points (4G, 7A) in 14 games this season, but has come on of late with four goals in his past four games. Since moving down from the first line, Eberle has meshed well with rookie Mat Barzal, who had five assists in Sunday's win against the Colorado Avalanche.
Josh Bailey was named the NHL's Second Star of the Week. Bailey's seven points were tied for the most in the NHL last week, joining Barzal's one goal and six assists. The longest-tentured Islander is riding a nine-game point streak, the longest active in the league.
Thomas Greiss will start for the second straight game. Thomas Hickey will replace Dennis Seidenberg on the defensive side. With Adam Pelech due to return soon, lets hope we do not see Seidenberg anytime soon.
The Islanders are 9-0-1 in their last 10 home games against the Oilers, who have scored the fewest goals in the league.