Fresh off their 4-1 win on Thursday against the Devils at the Coliseum, the Islanders hope to keep their season-opening hot streak alive. Semyon Varmalov gave up his first goal of the season on Thursday when Nathan Bastian scored in the second period, and his shutout streak ended at 142:10, an Islanders record to start a season.

Behind a strong showing by Jordan Eberle who scored two goals in the game, the Islanders’ offense has been red hot. Mathew Barzal and Brock Nelson both picked up goals in the win for the Islanders. The Islanders held the Devils to just one goal and had a strong defensive showing as well.

Islanders Storylines

Hit the Road Jack

The New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes scored two goals against the New York Rangers in the game prior to playing the Islanders. In the game on Thursday though the Islanders defense held him to zero points. This was a strong showing by the defense to slow down a red-hot player in Hughes.

First Line Leads the Pack

The Islanders first line ran the show once again on Thursday against the Devils. Jordan Eberle scored twice, and Mathew Barzal scored once, both contributing in a big way to the win. The Islanders’ first line has been red-hot all season, with Barzal leading the team in points.

Andy Greene Heads Back to Jersey

Islanders’ defensemen and former Devils captain, Andy Greene will be heading back to his home arena for the first time since being traded to New York. Although he hasn’t had the best season so far, he has high expectations for the team this year and a lot can still happen.

Devils Storylines

Perfect No More

For the first time this season, the Devils did something no other team could do, score on Islanders goaltender, Semyon Varmalov. Devils forward Nathan Bastian scored on Varmalov 2:10 in the second period in Thursday’s game. Varmalov, who had strong showings in his two outings prior to this game, managed to stop 30 of the Devils’ 31 shot attempts. With the shutout streak broken, can the Devils mount up some goals against Varmalov?

Can the Devils Bounce Back?

After suffering a tough loss on Thursday to the Islanders, the Devils, who had a hot start to the season, are looking to bounce back. In order for this to happen, Devils will need to have their star players come alive again. Jack Hughes, who tallied two goals against the Rangers in the game prior, was held off the scoresheet. He has had a strong start of the season, and if the Devils hope to bounce back, they need better all-around play.

Goaltending Woes

Mackenzie Blackwood was out of Thursday’s game due to being put on the NHL’s COVID protocol list. Back-up goalie Scott Wedgewood played in place of Blackwood and gave up four goals to the sizzling Islanders offense. With Wedgewood playing again on Sunday, can he somehow slow down the Islanders’ offense and keep it close for his team?

How to Watch

The coverage of tonight’s game will begin at 6:30 PM EST, with pregame airing on MSG+ and MSG+2, and the puck will drop shortly after 7:00 PM EST.

John Smark