On Thursday night, the New York Islanders took a 3-0 lead into the second period against the Washington Capitals. By the time the third began they would be down 5-3, and would ultimately lose 6-3. The Islanders have now lost their last three games after a strong start to the season. Tonight, they look to get back on track as they begin a weekend series against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight at 7 P.M.

Familiar Foes

This will be the first time these two teams are facing off since the Islanders eliminated the top-seeded Flyers in seven games in the second round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It’s been a long time since the Toronto bubble, and both teams have to keep up the same intensity over the course of this shortened season. The Isles won Game 7 in dominating fashion, and the Flyers’ three wins during that series all came in overtime. Whatever team can take advantage of more of their opportunities will be successful in tonight’s game.

Players to Watch

Oliver Wahlstrom

In his season debut on Thursday, Oliver Wahlstrom scored his first NHL goal early in the first period. His line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Kieffer Bellows is something to look out for as they produced a lot of offense while playing a very fast game. If he is in the lineup, expect Wahlstrom to be active in the offensive zone putting up a lot of good scoring chances.

Adam Pelech

Pelech is the Islanders’ best defensive defenseman and there is no doubt about that, but he didn’t play at his best during Thursday’s loss to the Capitals. He was out of position a lot and had a key missed clear that led to a Caps power-play goal. That is something you usually don’t see from Adam Pelech so he should bounce back tonight and be back to his true form against the Flyers.

Carter Hart

After a great start to the season with two big wins over the Pittsburgh Penguins, Carter Hart struggled over the course of last week. Hart had a big night on Thursday against the Devils where he stopped all but one shot that he faced. Hart is looking to take that success into tonight’s game against the Islanders and get some revenge for the playoff series loss a season ago.

James van Riemsdyk

JVR is tied with for second on the Flyers’ team lead in points with eight, only trailing Jakub Voracek, who has nine, for the Flyers team lead in points at this point in the season. van Riemsdyk has two multi-goal games on the season, including one last Tuesday against the Devils. The Islanders should look out for JVR as he is a main piece in the Flyers offensive attack, especially the power-play, where as the net-front presence, he has four of his five goals.

Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Flyers 2 (OT)

If the Islanders can play tonight’s game like they played the first period on Thursday, they will be in good shape. They need to avoid playing like they did for the rest of that game. The Isles have worked hard in practice as well as putting belief in each other. Carter Hart is going to be tough to beat in goal so expect this to be a close game. The Islanders will be able to force OT are better in the extra frame and will get it done.

John Smark