The Islanders return home after sweeping a three-game divisional road trip with wins against the Philadelphia Flyers (6-1) on Saturday, the Carolina Hurricanes (2-1) on Sunday and the Penguins (6-3) on Tuesday. They are 4-0-0 against Metropolitan Division teams this season. Goalie Thomas Greiss will start for the Islanders. He made 12 saves in relief of Robin Lehner on Tuesday. Lehner is day to day with a strain. Penguins defenseman Kris Letang, who didn't play Tuesday because of a lower-body injury, could return to the lineup. The loss Tuesday ended Pittsburgh's four-game winning streak and seven-game point streak (5-0-2).
Players to watch
Penguins forward Dominik Simon has five points (one goal, four assists) during a four-game point streak. Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock has four points in his past two games, including three assists Tuesday.
They said it
"We think Dominik's game is really coming. His consistency is getting better with each game that he plays, with each week that he's here in the NHL. He's a good playmaker. He's got great offensive instincts. He's strong on the puck. He's elusive in tight space." -- Penguins coach Mike Sullivan "I think we believe in ourselves that every night we drop the puck we have a chance to win. That's the belief system you want." -- Islanders coach Barry Trotz
Clutterbuck will return to the lineup after missing two games with an injury. … Brassard will miss his third straight game. … Trotz said Lehner could be back on the ice Friday. ... Letang was a full participant in practice Wednesday.
Stat pack
Crosby has at least two points in four straight games, including at least one goal in each. … Malkin has 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) during an eight-game point streak. … Kessel has seven points (three goals, four assists) during a four-game point streak. … The Islanders have scored a power-play goal in four straight games.
