Game Preview: Islanders vs. Ducks

New York Islanders at Anaheim Ducks

The Islanders enjoyed a lot of success against the Western Conference at home last season, going 12-0-2 against western teams at Barclays Center.

HOME OPENER FAN FEST

There's a fan fest at the arena starting at 3:30 p.m. with a live band, DJ and appearances by Islanders legends and Sparky the Dragon. At 4:30 the Barclays Center's GEICO Atrium will open for happy hour with select concessions and drinks available. Doors open arena-wide at 5 p.m. There will also be a special ceremony starting at 5:45 p.m.

2. Islanders vs. Ducks:

The Islanders look for their first win of the season on Sunday when they host the Anaheim Ducks at Barclays Center. Last season, the Islanders won both of their games against the Ducks, including a 5-2 win at Barclays Center in December. Overall, the Islanders have won three of their last four games against Anaheim.

3. Jaroslav Halak Likely To Start:

Jaroslav Halak will likely start in goal on Sunday night for the Islanders. Halak started the Islanders' season opener, making 34 saves on 38 shots against the New York Rangers. With Thomas Greiss starting on Saturday, Halak should be well rested for Sunday's home opener.

4. Ducks Looking For First Win:

Like the Islanders, the Anaheim Ducks are also looking for their first win of the 2016-17 season - and are playing the second game of a back-to-back set. The Ducks lost their season opener 4-2 to the Dallas Stars on Thursday and 3-2 to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night.
Andrew Cogliano leads the Ducks with two goals, while Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler each have a pair of assists. With Jonathan Bernier starting in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh, the Ducks will likely start John Gibson against the Islanders on Sunday. In 67 career games, Gibson is 37-22-4 with a 2.25 goals-against average, a.918 save percentage and six shutouts.