The Islanders return home after a two-game road trip to face the Vegas Golden Knights for the first time ever.
Vegas, the feel-good story of the early season, is 8-1 and riding a five-game winning streak. The Golden Knights have been dealt a difficult hand as both Mark-Andre Fleury and Malcom Subban are on injured reserve. Enter Oscar Dansk, the 23-year-old has been unbelievable in his starts, going 3-0-0, with a 1.00 GAA. Dansk was named the league's Second Star of the Week.
The Islanders are coming off perhaps their best game of the season in Nashville Saturday. The power play, which was 2-for-33 going into the game, erupted for three goals on the man advantage. A main reason for the success was the insertion of Ryan Pulock into the lineup. Pulock scored on a rocket from the point for his first goal of the season. The 23-year-old assisted on Jordan Eberle's first goal as an Islander early in the first period. The defenseman played 16 minutes and looked comfortable. He's back in the lineup tonight.
John Tavares, who netted his second hat trick in three games Saturday was named the First Star of the Week. Tavares joined Mike Bossy and Ziggy Palffy as the only Islanders to score two hat tricks in a span of three games or less. The captain's big week catapulted him to third in the league with nine goals.
Jaroslav Halak will get the start again. Look for Halak to take the reigns here for now.
Eberle, who was moved off the first line, formed a line with Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson. I really liked how they played Saturday. The chemistry was there right from the start and they created a lot of chances. Now that the monkey is off Eberle's back, expect him to build upon Saturday.
Vegas waived a familiar face yesterday in defenseman Griffin Reinhart. The former Isle did not appear in any games this regular season. Say what you want about general manager Garth Snow, I know I do, but he made, what could turn out to be, one of the best trades in Islanders history, acquiring both Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier for the 2012 fourth overall pick.
The Islanders have not played well when facing an expansion team for the first time. Since the San Jose Sharks entered the league in 1991, the Isles are 4-5-0.