Los Angeles will try to end a two-game losing streak following an eight-game winning streak. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper likely will start after Jonathan Quick made 24 saves in a 4-2 loss at the New York Rangers on Friday. It would be Kuemper's first start since Dec. 7. Goaltender Thomas Greiss will make his second straight start for the Islanders, who have lost two straight and are 1-4-1 in their past six games. New York has allowed four or more goals in four of them and has allowed 111 goals this season, tied with the Buffalo Sabres for second-most in the NHL, behind the Arizona Coyotes (118).
Players to watch
Kings center Anze Kopitar has 10 points (four goals, six assists) in his past seven games. Islanders forward Josh Bailey has seven points (three goals, four assists) in a four-game point streak, including his first NHL hat trick in a 6-4 loss at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday.
They said it
"I know the Islanders, they're a top team, top-scoring in the League, maybe top-five or whatever. … Hopefully we can carry over and score more goals than them." -- Kings forward Marian Gaborik "I think the best way to play good defensively is to be in the offensive zone. It's been a while since I've been in the NHL, I'm very excited about it. I've waited for a long time and I'm going to try to do my best." -- Islanders forward Steve Bernier on his season debut
The Kings did not hold a morning skate after playing Friday. … Bernier, recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League on Friday, will play his first game with the Islanders. He has 230 points in 633 NHL games with the Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks. Forward Joshua Ho-Sang was sent to Bridgeport on Friday.
Stat pack
Los Angeles has allowed a power-play goal in four straight games. The Islanders have given up the first goal 21 times this season (6-12-3). They are 11-0-0 when they score first.
