The New York Islanders have lost five straight games, wiping out the short-lived era of good feelings from the teams 3-1 start. On Thursday, the 2011 NHL schedule presents the Winnipeg Jets, and a decent shot at ending their losing streak. Let's preview the action, shall we?
The Islanders have not suited up since Oct. 29 -- I wonder how their Halloween went? Here's hoping it was spooky! -- so maybe the rest will help with a fresh start. New York certainly did not risk losing momentum.
Now is a good time to get a win if the Islanders are going to prevent an enormous losing streak like the 14-game drought they suffered last season. After Winnipeg, the upcoming schedule is Washington (8-2), Boston (defending Stanley Cup champions), Colorado (7-5), Vancouver (6-5-1), New York (4-3-3).
Over at Lighthouse Hockey, there are plenty of jokes about the Jets history as the Thrashers. But jokes aside for a moment:
All that said, the Jets haven't completely stunk this year, and they and the Islanders could easily be bedfellows all year long. The Jets are scoring a lot (3.46) and their 5-on-5, while not outsanding, is not bottom-feeder level. They're being outshot by about a shot per game. It's also been only 11 games.
Here's the game info:
Game Time: 7 p.m.
TV Schedule: MSG+
For more on the matchup, visit our New York Islanders team page and SB Nation blog Lighthouse Hockey. And check out the opposition at our blog Arctic Ice Hockey.