After two wins in the last three days over the Sabres at Nassau Coliseum, the Islanders are hunting for another win on Sunday. The Islanders defeated the Sabres 5-2 on both March 4 and March 6.

Islanders Storylines

Unstoppable Against Sabres

It hasn’t only been a few days of dominance over the Sabres by the Islanders. The Islanders have won all five contests this season. Combined, the scores of these games equal 19-7 in favor of the Isles.

Islanders “Identity Line” is Finding Scoresheet

There has been times where the Islanders’ fourth line, often known as the “identity line,” has struggled. Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck have had some struggles both offensively and defensively. Recently, they found their feet and were shutting down top lines again. But recently, they’ve been scoring goals as well. In the last two against the Sabres, the three have combined for a total of eight points. The Islanders are hopeful that the line can continue their production in all areas of the ice.

Seven-Game Point Streak

The Islanders are flaming hot. In their last seven games, they are 6-0-1 and have accumulated 13 points. Practically unbeatable on home ice, the Islanders have won seven of nine at home and still have no regulation losses. Going into the game, the Islanders currently sit in first place in the division. Although the Islanders have played the most games out of the eight teams, they have a two point cushion on the second place Washington Capitals.

Sabres Storylines

Losing Streak Must End

The Sabres haven’t won a hockey game since Feb. 23. Since then, they’ve lost six in a row. That includes one loss each to the Devils and Rangers and two each to the Flyers and Islanders. The Sabres are hoping that the third time’s a charm, and they can finally defeat the Islanders. But it won’t happen without changes, as there seems to be no effort to win games. General manager Kevyn Adams made that clear in a press conference on Friday.

“I don’t think we’ve been competitive enough in all areas of the ice,” Adams said. “I think we’ve shown pockets of it. We’ve shown glimpses at different times but not a consistent hunger and battle and competitiveness through the games.”

Big Names Must Step Up In Buffalo

Jack Eichel, Taylor Hall, and Jeff Skinner’s salaries combine for $27 million, about one-third of there Sabres’ cap space. Together, they have four goals in 22 games. Their roles may be a factor into the underwhelming numbers for such highly paid players. Jack Eichel has been great with Sam Reinhart, but Victor Olofsson has not been productive in even strength. Taylor Hall is a second liner without second line caliber line mates. Skinner has floated around the bottom-six, and has even been scratched for a few games. The lack of production, specifically in the goal-scoring department, is hurting the Sabres.

As such, they’ve made changes ahead of today’s game. Hall will play on the first line with Eichel. Olofsson will skate with Eric Staal and Sam Reinhart on the second line. Jeff Skinner will continue to play on the bottom-six, skating next to Curtis Lazar and Casey Mittelstadt on the fourth line.

Linus Ullmark’s Absence Is Felt

Despite the team’s lackluster play, Ullmark has been a bright spot. That was until a recent lower-body injury sidelined him for a few weeks. Without Ullmark, it’s up to backup Carter Hutton and 25-year-old Jonas Johansson to carry the torch. So far, their play has not been close to that of Ullmark’s.

Where to Watch

On Sunday, the game between the Islanders and the Sabres will be broadcasted nationally on NBC. It is another afternoon game, as puck drop is set for noon at the Coliseum.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others