New York Islanders at New Jersey Devils

1. The Islanders were shut out, 3-0, by the Sabres on Wednesday and had their 4-game win streak snapped in the process. New York is 5-2-2 in its last nine contests (0-3-3 in first six games of the season).
2. New Jersey beat Washington, 3-2, on Wednesday and has now won three straight overall -- all by a single goal. The Devils are 6-1-0 in one-goal games this season (3rd best in hockey).
3. This is the first meeting of the season between these two squads. The Devils won four of six from the Isles in 2008-09, however, New York took the final two tilts last season by a combined score of 11-3.
4. John Tavares (48) and Nicklas Bergfors (43) are No. 1 and 2 in the NHL in shots on goal by rookies in 2009-10. Tavares leads all rookies with five goals and with two tallies on Wednesday, Bergfors is tied for second with four.
5. Brian Rolston scored a goal for the first time in his last eight games on Wednesday and now has 99 in his career as a New Jersey Devil.
6. The Islanders have lit the lamp with the man-advantage in three straight games vs. the Devils (5-for-10 on the power play in those contests).