Islanders and Panthers square off in Eastern Conference play
Florida Panthers (35-33-3, in the Atlantic Division) vs. New York Islanders (41-27-5, in the Metropolitan Division) Elmont, New York; Saturday, 1 p. m.
EDT BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders face the Florida Panthers in Eastern Conference action. New York has a 20-12-2 record in home games and a 41-27-5 record overall. The Islanders are 14-5-2 in games they score one or more power-play goals.
Florida has a 16-18-0 record in road games and a 35-33-3 record overall. The Panthers have a 30-8-0 record in games they score three or more goals. The teams meet Saturday for the third time this season.
The Islanders won 5-4 in the last matchup. Matthew Schaefer led the Islanders with two goals. TOP PERFORMERS: Emil Heineman has scored 20 goals with nine assists for the Islanders.
Calum Ritchie has four goals and three assists over the past 10 games. Carter Verhaeghe has 21 goals and 29 assists for the Panthers. Matthew Tkachuk has five goals and seven assists over the last 10 games.