Game Preview: Islanders at Oilers

New York Islanders (30-23-11) at Edmonton Oilers (35-22-8)
9PM ET, Rogers Place
TV: MSG+2
Radio: AM970 - The Answer, 88.7FM - WRHU, 103.9FM - LI News
Game Notes
After a 5-2 loss in Calgary on Sunday evening, the New York Islanders head to Northern Alberta in search of two points against the Edmonton Oilers.
The status quo hasn't changed despite Sunday's loss. The Islanders occupy the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs and two points ahead of the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Islanders hold a game in hand on the Lightning, but are even in games played with the Leafs and Panthers.

Video: NYI Recap: Isles can't convert in shootout, fall 4-3

Isles vs. Oilers:

The Islanders and Oilers meet for the second and final time this season, with the Isles making their first trip to Rogers Place, the Oilers' new home.
The Islanders haven't won in Edmonton since March 13, 2003, going 0-5-1 over that span. As Eric Hornick notes in The Skinny, this matchup has favored the home team, who are a combined 12-0-2 in their last 14 games.
The Oilers bucked the home trend with a 4-3 shootout win over the Islanders on Nov. 5, so the Islanders are looking to return the favor.

Johnny Boychuk's Status:

Johnny Boychuk sat out Sunday's contest with a lower-body injury and with an Islanders day off on Monday, his status for Tuesday's game is unknown. An Edmonton, AB, native, Boychuk has 21 points (6G, 15A) in 59 games this season.

Oilers Close To Striking Playoffs

Ten points up with 17 games to play, the Edmonton Oilers appear destined to return to the postseason for the first time since the 2005-06 season.
Connor McDavid's league-leading 74 points (22G, 52A) have a lot to do with Edmonton's turnaround this season, but the Oilers are getting offense through their lineup. Eight Oilers have 10-or-more goals, while three (McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Patrick Maroon) have over 20. The Oilers are averaging 2.82 goals-per-game (12th in the NHL).
McDavid is red-hot right now, with seven points (2G, 5A) on a five-game point streak. Jordan Eberle is also hot, with seven points (3G, 4A) in his last eight games.