Music: {allcanada} ISLANDERS (42-21-4) at MAPLE LEAFS (26-35-5)

Sunday, March 8, 2015

{allcanada} ISLANDERS (42-21-4) at MAPLE LEAFS (26-35-5)

Monday, March 9, 2015

7:30 PM ET

ISLANDERS (42-21-4) at MAPLE LEAFS (26-35-5)

TV: TVA, MSG+, SNO

Season series: Phil Kessel's two goals helped the Toronto Maple Leafs chase New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak in a 5-2 win on Oct. 24. Halak rebounded on Feb. 12 with 32 saves and a 3-2 victory that earned him his 30th win of the season. Rookie Anders Lee scored two goals, including the tiebreaker in the second period.

Islanders team scope: New York, which had off Sunday, remained in first place in the Metropolitan Division with 88 points despite losing three of its past four games. The Islanders, who are wrapping up a four-game road trip, have won four of their past five games in Toronto and are 6-2-2 in their past 10 against the Maple Leafs. New York is coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Florida Panthers during which goalie Michal Neuvirth made 15 saves in his Islanders debut. Forward John Tavares had a goal and two assists to establish a career-high 32 goals and take over the NHL scoring lead with 70 points. The Islanders captain has two goals and five points in his past two games. Lee has points in 12 of his past 15 games (7-9-16). Forward Josh Bailey has 11 in his past 14 (6-5-11). After playing the Maple Leafs, the Islanders return home to face the second-place New York Rangers on Tuesday.

Maple Leafs team scope: Toronto could be without center Nazem Kadri after he was sent home prior to practice Sunday by coach Peter Horachek. "He missed a meeting, so I sent him home," Horachek told the Toronto Sun. "He showed up, but not when I was doing it. He is available if I want him." Trevor Smith took Kadri's spot in line rushes between Leo Komarov and Richard Panik. Forward Stephane Robidas will have shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season. He is expected to be ready for training camp. Goalie Jonathan Bernier will start for Toronto. Bernier was chased after the first period of a 6-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday when he allowed three goals on 17 shots. The loss was the Maple Leafs' second-worst at Air Canada Centre this season and their 17th loss by three or more goals, third-most in the League. The Maple Leafs are 5-19-2 under Horachek, winning consecutive games once.

Team Stats