Ottawa Senators (8-9-4) at New York Islanders (9-12-2)

7 p.m. | Nassau Coliesum | MSG+2

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Since the Islanders swept a home-and-home with the Senators two weeks ago, the Islanders continued their roll while the Senators continued to stall -- until the last two games, that is.

Ottawa lost shootouts to the Rangers at MSG and at home to the Canadiens, then rebounded to beat both the Rangers and Maple Leafs (SO) at home. Meanwhile, after being gifted a chance to tie and win a shootout in Montreal, the Islanders have blown a 3-0 lead to lose to Pittsburgh, then collapsed in the third at Boston to lose 7-2. The third period continues to be a mostly frightening adventure for the Isles.

Sadly, in the interim the Senators have unveiled a most uninspiring third jersey (er, "uniform system"), becoming something like the 25th NHL team to thing "none more blacker" is the stylin' Spinal Tap way to go. Yawn.

Josh Bailey is officially an Islander and not heading back to junior. Bruno Gervais has been placed on IR, and backup Yann Danis has been recalled after getting some work down in Bridgeport while Joey MacDonald carries the NHL load.