Isles take on scuffling Leafs
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
(SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Islanders shoot for a third straight victory on Thursday night when they host the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Islanders won the opener of a four-game homestand on Tuesday, besting the Edmonton Oilers 3-2. Jaroslav Halak made 34 saves and Colin McDonald had a goal and an assist.
Josh Bailey and Casey Cizikas also scored and Thomas Hickey notched a pair of assists in New York's third victory in four games. The Isles lead the Pittsburgh Penguins by one point for first place in the Metropolitan Division.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
"Not everybody had their game tonight, but we found a way to win," said New York coach Jack Capuano.
Well out of the playoff race, the Maple Leafs ended a club-record 11-game losing streak with a win over the Oilers on Saturday, but fell right back into the loss column on Tuesday with a 5-4 setback to the New York Rangers.
Morgan Rielly scored twice in defeat, while Stephane Robidas and Daniel Winnik also tallied. James Reimer allowed all five goals on 39 shots.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
"When you're trading chances all game with a team like that it's tough," said Rielly. "You get down early and you wind up playing catch-up and it's a tough way to play."
Forward David Clarkson is expected to return to the lineup after being a healthy scratch the previous two games. His return comes as fellow forward Joffrey Lupul is dealing with an aggravated lower-body injury that will keep him out of a few games.
Though the Islanders have won five of the previous eight meetings, the Leafs won the first of three encounters this season with a 5-2 decision at New York on Oct. 21.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Phil Kessel had two goals, Clarkson tallied once and Jonathan Bernier made 34 saves.
Bernier is 2-1-1 lifetime versus the Islanders with a 3.24 goals against average and .902 save percentage in four career meetings.
Halak allowed all five goals on 23 shots faced, falling to 7-3-3 lifetime in this matchup with a 3.02 GAA and .907 save percentage in 14 games.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
The Leafs have won four of their past five trips to Long Island.