New York has won 14 of its past 17 games and has allowed two goals or fewer in eight of 11, including a 2-0 win at the Washington Capitals on Friday that moved the Islanders into first place in the Metropolitan Division. Anaheim has won back-to-back games after a 12-game losing streak.
Players to watch
Ducks forward Daniel Sprong had a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win at the New Jersey Devils on Saturday. He has five points (two goals, three assists) in his past five games. Islanders forward Josh Bailey has five points (three goals, two assists) in his past six games.
They said it
"Huge win, but follow it up. Winning two straight is good for the mindset and psyche of our group." -- Ducks coach Randy Carlyle "We're still not even 50 games in here. The confidence has always been there with us. So maybe it's a reaffirmation as far as the storytellers go, but for us, we've always kind of believed. Not much more than that to say than that, we still have a long way to go." -- Islanders forward Cal Clutterbuck
Carlyle said Gibson is likely to start again after he made 29 saves against the Devils on Saturday. … The Islanders did not practice Saturday after playing Thursday and Friday.
Stat pack
Anaheim has won three straight against New York, including a 4-1 victory at home Oct. 17. … The Islanders are 24-2-1 when they score at least three goals. They are 9-8-0 against the Western Conference.
