Halak played Friday in a 4-2 loss at the Winnipeg Jets. New York is 0-4-1 in its past five road games. Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho will make his NHL debut. Aho, 21, was recalled Thursday from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League where he had 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 29 games. He was the Islanders' fifth-round pick (No. 139) in the 2017 NHL Draft. Goalie Jonathan Bernier will start for the Avalanche, who are coming off a 4-3 overtime win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday. Colorado is 1-1-0 in the first two games of a six-game homestand and 6-3-1 in the past 10 games. Bernier last played Dec. 16 in a 6-4 loss against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Players to watch
Islanders forward Josh Bailey has 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in a 10-game point streak. He has eight points (two goals, six assists) in 12 games against Colorado. Avalanche forward Mikko Rantanen has nine points (three goals, six assists) in an eight-game point streak.
They said it
"He's earned his opportunity to come up. He's not the biggest guy, but he moves the puck really well, skates well and creates a lot. A real creative kid and he battles." -- Islanders coach Doug Weight, on rookie defenseman Sebastian Aho "We're starting to grow together as a group and we're getting more consistent with what we do. The goal for us is bringing that consistency in our team game every night. When we do that, we tend to have some success." -- Avalanche coach Jared Bednar
Compher is expected to miss at least one week. He was injured in the third period Friday against Toronto but stayed in the game and scored in overtime.
Stat pack
Tavares has 18 points (four goals, four assists) in a nine-game point streak ... The Avalanche have killed 30 consecutive penalties in the past 10 games.
