Less than 24 hours after losing to state rival, the New York Rangers, the New York Islanders will host Eastern Conference foe the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY (7 p.m. on MSG+). The struggling Islanders (11-15-6, 28 points), who sit in last place in the Atlantic Division standings, are searching for just their second victory in eight-home games. Meanwhile, the Leafs (17-13-4, 38 points) are trying keep pace in the Northeast Division standings, which features Toronto in a second-place tie with the Ottawa Senators.
Currently, New York is ranked last in the NHL in goals scored (74) and have been shutout a league-high six times. A factor in the lack of production could stem from the Islanders leading scorer, center John Tavares, netting only two goals in their last 21 games.
On Thursday, the Maple Leafs snapped a three-game losing streak with a 3-2 home victory over division rival the Buffalo Sabres. Right winger Phil Kessel has tallied a league-leading 20 goals this season.
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