Toronto Maple Leafs at New York Islanders [Game 63]

The matchup fans of the New York Islanders have been anticipating since the dawn of free agency season is finally upon us as John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs visit Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Tavares was definitely staying with the Islanders up until the clock struck midnight and he turned into a pumpkin which ensured that the Islanders got absolutely nothing for their former franchise center. Islanders fans are demonstrably angry at their former Captain while main stream mediacan't quite figure out why, mainly because it's comprised of guys who are famous for eating cat feces and smoking cigarettes.

The Islanders have a built in advantage in this one as the Maple Leafs played last night and are rolling with Garret Sparks. Sparks is a slightly below average, mediocre netminder while Frederick Andersen is well above average. The best route to victory may be for the Islanders to push pace more than they usually do while relying on their solid netminding as the try to take advantage of an inferior netminder and a tired hockey team.

Robin Lehner will get the start for a fourth game in a row. It's a bit bewildering as Lehner hasn't been as good as Thomas Greiss this season and allowed two low danger goals against the Calgary Flames in his last contest. Greiss will get the backup duty tonight.

The lone lineup change for the Islanders looks to be Scott Mayfield back in for Thomas Hickey as the ease Hickey back into action. With any luck, the days of Tom Kuhnhackl will be behind Islanders fans as the rosters have been expanded. The team did sign Dennis Seidenberg for the remainder of the season, but if he gets into any games it will be because they've already clinched their playoff spot or something went horribly wrong.

Game time is at 7:00 P.M. E.S.T.