The New York Islanders are back in action on Tuesday night to take on the New Jersey Devils and fans will be in attendance. After four consecutive home games, the Isles travel to Prudential Center for one game, before returning home for another home-stand, this time five games long. The Islanders are coming off of a 2-0 shutout win backstopped by Ilya Sorokin, and the Devils are coming off of a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals.

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The Last Matchup

The last time these two teams faced off the Devils got the best of the Islanders by a score of 2-0. Scott Wedgewood recorded a shutout, making 28 saves. The Islanders played a decent defensive game other than the last three minutes of the first period. Jack Hughes and Pavel Zacha both scored, and the Islanders couldn’t recover.

End of Period Collapses

As just mentioned, the Islanders end of period collapse cost them the last game against the Devils. They have had that happen far too many times this season where it comes back to hurt them. The Isles need to play a full 60 minutes and not take their foot off the gas if they want to win this game.

Young Players Stepping Up

The Isles and Devils both having young players contributing a lot so far this season. For the Isles, Oliver Wahlstrom, Noah Dobson and Ilya Sorokin have stepped up big. Ty Smith, Yegor Sharangovic and Jack Hughes have been great for New Jersey. Look out for all of the youngsters in tonights matchup.

Players To Watch

Oliver Wahlstrom

Wahlstrom now has a four-game point streak including the game-winning goal and an assist on Sunday. Both of those points have come on the power-play, as thats where he has been making his money.

Nick Leddy

Leddy has been an underrated player for the Isles this season. Many fans are concerned about his defensive play, but in the past few games he has stepped it up. Leddy recorded an assist on Sunday against the Penguins, giving him 13 on the season. His 13 assists are leading all Islanders players.

Pavel Zacha

Zacha is currently riding a 10-game point streak, where he has 12 points including five goals over that stretch. Zacha has stepped up big for the Devils this season. He is on pace for his career-best season.

Ty Smith

Smith has been great to start the year not only on offense but on defense as well. He has two goals and nine assists in 17 games and his plus/minus is +6. The 2018 17th overall pick has had a nice start to his NHL career.

Score Prediction: Islanders 3, Devils 1

The Islanders have been scoring at a great pace lately, especially on the power-play. When they have been put on the man-advantage they have been incredible. The Devils will need to stay disciplined if they want to win this game.

This game will be the first game both of these teams play with fans this season, as the Islanders-Devils game will feature fans at 10% capacity in Prudential Center. Puck drop between the Islanders and Devils is 7 pm ET.

John Smark