Arizona opened a four-game road trip with a 3-2 overtime victory at the New York Rangers on Tuesday, which was its fourth straight victory and extended its point streak to six (5-0-1). New York returns home after winning two straight on the road. Three of the Islanders' four victories during their streak have come in overtime or a shootout.
Players to watch
Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper has allowed two goals or fewer in 13 straight starts since March 23. Islanders center Mathew Barzal has scored four goals during a three-game goal streak. He has six points (four goals, two assists) in his past four games.
They said it
"We're playing a team that's similar to us. They don't get antsy, they can play a 2-1 game very comfortably. That's [Islanders coach] Barry Trotz." -- Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet "I think we've been able to string a few together and found ways to win. There's games that we've played well in and even a game where we weren't at our best. It's one of those things you want to bank these points as much as possible, especially at this time of the year."-- Islanders forward Anders Lee
Kuemper will make his second straight start and fourth in five games. … Cizikas (lower body) was activated off injured reserve and will return after missing five games. … Brassard was shifted from center to left wing at practice Wednesday and will play there for the first time this season. … Trotz said Komarov, who will miss his second straight game, will resume skating very shortly. The Islanders placed Komarov on injured reserve Thursday to make room for Cizikas.
Stat pack
The Coyotes are 7-for-18 on the power play during their winning streak. … All nine of Schmaltz's points (three goals, six assists) have come during a six-game streak. … Dvorak has scored four goals in his past four games, including the game-winner Tuesday. … New York has won six in a row at home against Arizona. … Nelson has 51 points (27 goals, 24 assists) in 68 NHL games in October.
