(SportsNetwork.com) - The New York Islanders will try to continue their fantastic start to the season on Thursday when they shoot for a home-and-home sweep of the Ottawa Senators.
After recording a 3-2 overtime win in Tuesday's home portion, the Islanders hope to complete the sweep of the Senators tonight at Canadian Tire Centre. Tuesday's victory was New York's second straight and 12th in 14 games.
The surprising Islanders enter Thursday tied with Pittsburgh for the Metropolitan Division lead. The Penguins also play tonight in a home test against the Vancouver Canucks.
While New York attempts to add to its win total, the Senators are hoping to halt a three-game slide tonight and win for just the second time in seven games.
Ottawa was able to grind out a point on Tuesday, as Clarke MacArthur sent the game to OT with a game-tying goal at 11:14 of the third period.
However, luck would be on the Islanders' side in the extra session, as Thomas Hickey scored off an opponent's skate 3:06 into OT to deliver two points for New York. Hickey's wrap-around on the left side crossed the crease and deflected off Ottawa defenseman Cody Ceci's left skate before going in.
The Isles improved to 8-0 in overtime and shootout games this season and pushed their home winning streak to seven games.
Jaroslav Halak made 16 saves and extended his personal winning streak to 10 games to tie the franchise record set by Billy Smith in the 1981-82 season. Halak, who expects to start tonight, also improved to 4-5-2 with a 2.77 in his career against Ottawa.
Brock Nelson and Ryan Strome added goals for New York.
"I thought we played great," said Islanders coach Jack Capuano. "That's a good hockey team. Their top six is as good as anyone's."
Mike Hoffman also scored for the Senators, who fell to 1-4-1 in their last six games. Craig Anderson gave up three goals on 28 shots.
Ottawa went 1-3-1 on a five-game road trip, so Senators coach Paul MacLean was happy with the point.
"I think it's a huge point for us to pick up on the road," he said. "Any time you pick up a point on the road it's a big thing. We end this road trip getting something out of it."
The Sens are 5-2-3 as the host this season and have lost two straight and four of their last six home games against the Islanders. New York has claimed three of four overall in this series.
Anderson fell to 6-5-3 with a 2.53 GAA in his career against the Isles after Tuesday's loss. He will get the start again tonight.
Ottawa's next game is set for Saturday in Pittsburgh. The Isles also will play next on Saturday when they host the St. Louis Blues.
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