The Islanders are so, so, so badly in need of a bounce back from their horrific disassembly at home by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night. Unfortunately, they have to do it against the Buffalo Sabres, who are vying for first overall in the conference.
The Sabres are currently in a three-way tie with 98 points, though both Tampa Bay and Carolina have a game in hand — and history — on their side with less than 10 games to go.
The Islanders remain in a playoff spot before play begins, but their primary rivals are also in action and/or have games or games in hand. But the past few weeks have been all over the map, so they could just as easily, or at least believably, hurl a 3-0 shutout or a dramatic 4-3 comeback win as they could infuriate us on consecutive nights.
Other potentially important games tonight, as the Isles enter with 89 points and 75 games played: