Islanders vs. Ducks [Game Thread 37]

Sorry for no proper preview for tonight's game, but you know what the score is: The more the Isles fail to win, the darker their season gets even before the New Year. Hopefully Anaheim brings its non-mighty game tonight.

They are using the same lineup as last night, including Evgeni Nabokov getting the start in goal.

Meanwhile, we'll use tonight's occasion of the New York Islanders vs. Anaheim Ducks to highlight SB Nation's delightfully most criminal blog, Battle of California.

First, BOC blogger emeritus Earl Sleek (whose real name is Spencer Sirhan Patterson):

Updated stat: The three NHL teams in NY have combined for 35 wins this season. The three NHL teams in California have combined for 70.

— Earl Sleek (@earlsleek) December 21, 2013

Sometimes it helps to look at your team and the atmosphere from the outside. So here is a helpful outsider's look at fans who hound Newsday's Arthur Staple for daring to write like a beatwriter covering the Islanders. Done only the way BOC would or could.

FIG Picks

If you haven't found your locale for First Islanders Goal picks, go leave them over here.