Game Preview: Islanders vs. Devils

New York Islanders (35-29-12) vs New Jersey Devils (27-35-14)
7:30 p.m., Barclays Center - Buy Tickets
TV: MSG+
Radio: AM970 - The Answer, 88.7FM - WRHU, 103.9FM - LI News
After Thursday night's 6-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, the New York Islanders (82 points) wake up six points back of the Boston Bruins (88 points) for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Between the Islanders and Bruins are the Tampa Bay Lightning (85 points) and Carolina Hurricanes (84 points) two more obstacles between the Isles and the postseason. With six games remaining, the Islanders need to put together a lengthy winning streak and will need all three of those teams to falter to make the playoffs.

Looking To Rebound:

A 5-0 first period sank the Islanders on Thursday and they are looking to atone for it on Friday against the New Jersey Devils. The Islanders outshot the Flyers 31-11 and outscored them 3-1 the rest of the way, which was one of the few positives to build on for Friday.
"Just try to forget about the loss. We did good things in the second and third period, but the first period wasn't good at all," Johnny Boychuk said. "If you can take a positive out of the last two periods and try to bring it for tomorrow to start the game."

Hamonic's Status:

While the Islanders got Boychuk back on Thursday night, Travis Hamonic left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury.
Hamonic's status is unknown for Friday's game is unknown. Check back around 5 p.m. and follow

on Twitter for the latest updates.

Isles vs Devils:

The Islanders are 1-1-0 against the Devils this season, splitting a home-and-home series on Feb. 18 and 19. The Islanders won the most recent meeting, beating the Devils 6-4 at Barclays Center on Feb. 19.
The Islanders are 10-1-1 in their last 12 games against their Tri-State rivals.

Devils Notes:

The Devils have struggled for the last month, going 2-12-4 over their last 18 games and are winless in four straight (0-3-1).
Long Island native Keith Kinkaid is expected to start for the Devils on Friday, while Michael Cammalleri is expected to return after missing 13 games with a shoulder injury. Recently signed college free agent and defenseman Michael Kapla is expected to make his NHL debut. Kapla played four years at U-Mass Lowell, serving as captain in his last two seasons.