The Islanders have outscored opponents 16-9 during the winning streak after starting the season 1-3-0. Goalie Thomas Greiss is expected to start for New York, which is playing the second of back-to-back games. Semyon Varlamov made 21 saves in a 4-2 win against the Arizona Coyotes at Nassau Coliseum on Thursday. Backup Anders Nilsson will start for the Senators, who are 1-3-1 in their past five games. Nilsson is 1-1-1 with a .955 save percentage in his past three starts.
Players to watch
Islanders center Mathew Barzal has six points (four goals, two assists) in his past five games. Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot has five points (one goal, four assists) during a four-game point streak.
They said it
"Winning is fun. We just have to keep this thing going." -- Islanders forward Derick Brassard "They're physical, they're really good in the [offensive] zone, certainly their top line is as dangerous as any. Barzal poses serious problems. They have an active defense. They've got a really good hockey team and they're really well coached." -- Senators coach D.J. Smith on the Islanders
Komarov did not make the trip to Ottawa. Coach Barry Trotz said he's hoping Komarov will be available to play against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. … Smith said he'll stay with the same lineup he used in a 5-2 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday.
Stat pack
The Islanders are third in the NHL on the power play at 30.8 percent but have had a League-low 13 opportunities in nine games. … Nilsson has faced 133 shots in his past three starts.
