Game Preview: Islanders vs Predators

NEW YORK ISLANDERS (26-22-5) VS NASHVILLE PREDATORS (31-12-7)
7 P.M. BARCLAYS CENTER - BUY TICKETS
TV: MSG+ MSG GO
RADIO: 88.7FM - WRHU, 660AM/101.9FM - WFAN
GAME NOTES
The Islanders scored a big result with a 4-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets and they're hoping that can be the catalyst that helps them get back into the postseason.
The Islanders have a chance to get back into a playoff position with a win on Monday, as they're one point behind the Philadelphia Flyers for the second Eastern Conference Wild Card.

"Tonight was a big game, a turnaround game for us," Jordan Eberle said on Saturday. "We have to understand the way we played and find a way to play 60 minutes and not just 40 and try and come from behind."
To do so against one of the NHL's top teams, the Islanders will need to shore up defensively and limiting their shots against would be a good start. The Isles have given up a barrage of shots in their past three contests, giving up 39, 50 and 49 in each of their past three contests.
Head Coach Doug Weight got the desired results from his line shuffling on Saturday. Anthony Beauvillier and Anders Lee swapped lines on Saturday and both lines broke through and scored in the win. The lines were intact for Sunday's practice are are likely to be together on Monday.

LINEUP NOTES:

Tanner Fritz missed Sunday's practice and is questionable for Monday's game with Nashville. Weight said Fritz is just a little banged up and it's not a serious injury, but his status is up in the air.

SEASON SERIES:

The Islanders beat the Predators 6-2 at Nashville on Oct. 28. John Tavares scored a natural hat trick in the win, while Jordan Eberle scored his first two goals as an Islander.

BY THE NUMBERS:

Power Play: Islanders 20.2% - 17th, Predators 24.4% - 3rd
Penalty Kill:Islanders 73.7% - 30th, Predators 82.3% - T-8th

THE PREDATORS:

Last Game: W 5-2 vs Rangers
Leading Scorers: Goals:Viktor Arvidsson - 17
Assists:P.K. Subban, Ryan Johansen - 27
Points: P.K. Subban - 40
The Predators are red hot, going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and enter Monday's contest on a two-game winning streak. Nashville (69 points) is two points back of the Winnipeg Jets for first in the Central Division, but hold three games in hand over the Jets.
On Sunday, Filip Forsberg was suspended for three games for his hit on Jimmy Vesey on Saturday, so he'll be out for Monday's game vs the Islanders. It's a big blow for the Predators, as Forsberg is averaging just under a point-per-game for the Predators with 38 points (16G, 22A) in 39 games. Forsberg had four points (1G, 3A) in his last two games.
Pekka Rinne enters the game on a seven-game win streak. Rinne has two shutouts in his last three games. Rinne's .927 SV% is fifth amongst goalies who've played at least 20 games and his 2.28 GAA is sixth.
The Predators' power play is 5-of-14 in its last five games.