The Senators have lost three straight in regulation for the first time under Guy Boucher, who was named coach May 8, 2016. Each team is playing the second of a back-to-back games. The Senators ended a 0-3-0 road trip with a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday. The Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers, 5-4, in overtime Friday. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak will get his third start in the Islanders' past nine games.
Players to watch
Islanders rookie forward Mathew Barzal has 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in his past 13 games. Senators forward Matt Duchene has no points and is a minus-10 in seven games since being acquired in a trade from the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 5.
They said it
"You know they are going to be hungry and desperate for a win. These teams obviously become very dangerous." -- Islanders forward John Tavares "There's nothing good about the road trip and I'd be lying if I said there was. We have to find a way to re-energize and regroup." -- Senators defenseman Dion Phaneuf
The Islanders had an optional morning skate. … Beauvillier will be scratched for the second time in the past seven games in favor of Quine, who will play his fifth game of the season. … Smith, who has missed six games because of a dislocated thumb, could play for the Senators. … The Senators did not skate Saturday morning.
Stat pack
The Senators power play is 0-for-18 since scoring in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche in Stockholm on Nov. 11. … Tavares has 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in his past 15 games. … Karlsson has no points in five games after having 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in a seven-game point streak.
