Follow me on Twitter @thefirstnoel19 The Islanders look to continue their winning ways as they host the Boston Bruins. New York (4-1-1) has won four straight games after going winless in their first two games. The Bruins (2-3-1) have five points in their last three games after losing their first three games. Boston has allowed 26 goals in their 6 games.
The Islanders have scored 18 goals in their last four games, including four in Tuesday's win over the Columbus Blue Jackets, that Jackets' loss was the last by head coach Todd Richards as he was fired Wednesday and replaced by John Tortorella.
The Isles third line consisting of Brock Nelson, Nikolay Kulemin and Mikhail Grabovski was clearly their best line Tuesday night and have 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in their past 4 games. A healthy Grabovski brings another dimension to this team. He can produce offensively and play well in his own end. When this line is on the ice, it's usually in the offensive zone. Kulemin is their best defensive forward and the chemistry that Kulemin and Grabovski have brings back memories from their days in Toronto. Nelson, after struggling the first weekend of the season has come on strong with a point in five of their six games.
Jaroslav Halak will be between the pipes for the third straight game. Halak made his season debut last Saturday night vs the San Jose Sharks and has won his first two starts of the season. Halak has a 1.50 GAA and a .952 save pct.
Projected forward lines Anders Lee-John Tavares-Ryan Strome Josh Bailey-Frans Nielsen-Kyle Okposo Nikolay Kulemin-Mikhail Grabovski-Brock Nelson Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck
Projected defensive pairings Johnny Boychuk-Nick Leddy Travis Hamonic-Calvin de Haan Thomas Hickey-Marek Zidlicky