New York Islanders (18-17-8) vs. LA Kings (22-19-4)
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Berube To Start:
Thomas Greiss has recorded consecutive shutouts, but with back-to-back games this weekend, JF Berube is starting on Saturday vs the Kings; his former team. Greiss will face off against the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday.
Ladd and Boychuk Out, Clutterbuck TBD:
Andrew Ladd and Johnny Boychuk are both out for Saturday's game with upper-body injuries and are considered day-to-day. Ladd will miss his third straight game, while Boychuk will miss his second. Cal Clutterbuck's status is to be determined, as he's considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. PROJECTED LINES:
John Tavares has been on a tear of late, with seven goals in his last four games. The Islanders' captain has vaulted to the top of the team's goal scoring lead with 18 goals this season. Tavares' most recent goal - the 225th of his career - was the first shorthanded marker of his career.
Isles-Kings II:
The Islanders and Kings meet for the second time this season. The Kings took the first meeting 4-2 on Nov. 23, as Dwight King scored two goals in 35 seconds, busting open a 1-1 game late in the third period. The Islanders have been in tough vs the Kings of late, dropping five of their last seven meetings.
Kings Notes:
The LA Kings have lost two straight games entering Saturday's action, most recently dropping a 3-2 decision to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. Jeff Carter leads the Kings with 23 goals and 40 points this season. Peter Budaj has been a workhorse for the Kings this season, appearing in 39 of the Kings' 45 games this season.
