New York Islanders prepare for third straight game against New Jersey Devils – NHL Preview
New York Islanders are seeking revenge as they play their third straight game against New Jersey Devils, but the latter’s offence has clicked pretty well during its last few games and is ready to repeat the heroics yet again.
With securing a playoff berth seemingly becoming an easy target, Devils are confident for another victory.
Both teams are going to face each other on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Uniondale, New York.
Let’s have a look at both teams.
Islanders
Islanders have played four games this month with the last two coming against Devils.
Islanders won the first encounter while they were crushed badly in the second.
In the first game, Islanders scored the only goal of the match to secure the victory. Islanders once again scored one goal in the next game, but Devils had learned their lesson.
Devils scored five goals in the game with Ilya Kovalchuk completing his hat trick.
Islanders are ranked at 14th spot in the Eastern Conference with 65 points after 67 games and are seven points behind the eighth-ranked Washington Capitals.
Islanders’ defenseman, Andrew MacDonald, said of the team’s situation:
"Our chances are dwindling here, and every game we lose, we're that much closer to being out of it. We can't afford to be losing games like this."
Devils
Having won three of their last four games, Devils are in thundering form and on a two-game winning run with the victories coming against New York Rangers (4-1) and Islanders (5-1).
In the last four games, Devils have scored a total of 14 goals while conceding only three.
This shows how strong they are on defence and how aggressive on offence. Kovalchuk is in top form after scoring the hat trick against Islanders in the last game.
Devils’ goaltender, Martin Brodeur, said of Kovalchuk:
"He's definitely the most skilled player I've played with, not to take anything away from the guys we've had through the years. This guy is special. It's about how explosive he is on his skates, how strong he is with his legs that makes him such a tough
player to defend.”
Brodeur further said:
“He brings an element teams have to worry about, especially when he's surrounded with other good players."
Devils are ranked at sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with 81 points after 67 games.
Predictions
Devils have an upper hand.
The sum of goals scored by both teams might exceed six.
If Islanders win, the winning margin will be less than two goals.
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