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It's nearly game time! The Bruins are on a stretch of four-straight overtime contests (2-0-2) as they face a team they've out-scored 7-4 on the season. The Islanders come to Boston for the first and only time this season, looking to re-take 2nd place in the Metropolitan division with a win today.
Three Keys to the Game:
- Stopping John Tavares: The Islanders Captain has 22 points (10-12-22) in 23 games played against the Bruins in his career. While he's not strong against the Northeast/Atlantic division as a whole, he certainly shows up against Boston.
- Solving Thomas Greiss: Yes, Greiss is the Islanders' back-up. But he won't be an easy task. During his journeyman career, the Bruins have faced Greiss just once during his stint in Pittsburgh. Boston won, but Greiss came away with a 1.02 GAA and .966 SV%.
- Battle of Depth: Boston's 3rd line has had strong showings against New York. Spooner, Beleskey and Hayes have combined for 8 goals and 8 assists in their collective 18 games played. On the other side, two-time 20-goal scorer Brock Nelson will be centering the 3rd line, and looking for his first point against the Bruins in the 9th time facing them.
It's getting warm outside, but it's still cool in here. Puck drops in an hour. LET'S DO THIS.