New York Islanders fear another defeat as they travel to play against Boston Bruins – NHL Preview
The present road trip for the slumping New York Islanders might not bring a good omen as they are going to face Boston Bruins in a National Hockey League (NHL) game on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts.
The struggling Islanders might also provide Bruins an opportunity to settle down as the latter has also been a bit shaky of late.
Here is a look at both the teams.
Islanders
Islanders have played three games of their short four-game road trip and have lost all of them. As a result, they are further pushed down in the Eastern Conference.
Out of the last six games, Islanders have lost five with the recent defeats coming against Ottawa Senators (5-2), Washington Capitals (3-2 in overtime) and Philadelphia Flyers (6-3).
Islanders got a good start against Flyers, but they just could not capitalise on the early lead.
Flyers scored two goals in every period while Islanders managed a goal each in all the three periods.
Islanders’ coach, Jack Capuano, said after the loss:
"They outmuscled us. They were stronger on their sticks. On three goals we had coverage, but they were stronger on their sticks, stronger on the puck than we were, and that's the disappointing part. We know they're a big, physical team and they're good down
low, but we had our opportunities. We have to battle a little harder one-on-one."
Islanders are ranked at 14th spot with 61 points after 64 games and are nine points behind the eighth ranked Winnipeg Jets.
Bruins
Bruins are ranked at second spot in the Eastern Conference with 79 points after 62 games.
Out of the last five games, they have won three and managed to start this month successfully after overcoming New Jersey Devils.
Bruins managed two goals in the first period and received an aggressive response from the Devils, who scored thrice in the second period.
Bruins scored a goal in the final period to level the score and force the game to overtime where they scored another time to seal the victory.
David Krejci scored the first and the last two goals to complete his hat trick.
Bruins’ coach, Claude Julien, said of Krejci:
"He's known for those kind of finishes, and, again, he's starting to show us that he's ready to do it again."
Predictions
Bruins have an edge.
The sum of goals scored by both the teams might exceed six.
If Islanders win, the goal difference will be less than two.
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