Detroit @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 8, 2018 ) NY Islanders 3, Detroit 2

The New York Islanders aim to snap out of their scoring slump and complete a three-game homestand with a victory when they host the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday. The Islanders have lost six of their last eight games - two in shootouts - while scoring a total of 14 goals but limited Vegas to 17 shots in Wednesday's 3-2 loss.

“A missed opportunity,” New York coach Barry Trotz told reporters after Wednesday's setback. “We played well in so many areas of the game, but we gave them things that were a little bit unforced. … Turnovers cost us. I thought we held a pretty good hockey team that’s been really hot to 17 shots. You feel you can get a point out of that.” The Islanders have won the last three games in the all-time series - including a 3-2 decision on Dec. 8 - while the Red Wings have lost eight of their last 12 overall contests (4-6-2) after suffering a 4-2 home setback against Ottawa on Friday. Detroit has surrendered at least four goals in four of its last six games and its power play continues to struggle, failing twice on Friday and converting just two of its 33 opportunities over the last 15 contests. The Red Wings also were dealt a blow before the game as All-Star defenseman Mike Green was ruled out for three-to-five weeks with a lower-body injury.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, FS Detroit Plus, MSG Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE RED WINGS (14-15-4): Dylan Larkin scored his team-leading 14th goal on Friday and increased his team-best total to 31 points, including nine during his six-game streak. Gustav Nyquist has recorded 13 of his 29 points in the last 10 games but was kept off the scoresheet Friday, while Andreas Athanasiou has not scored a goal in eight contests this month after recording seven in 10 games during November. Defenseman Trevor Daley has posted a plus-4 rating in three games since coming off injured reserve on Monday and is one point away from reaching 300 for his career after playing in his 995th NHL contest on Friday.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (14-12-4): One of the major problems for New York’s offense has been the power play, which has converted just one of its 28 opportunities over the last 12 games and entered Friday ranked 28th in the league. “We’re still in it, still right there,” defenseman Ryan Pulock told Newsday. “But it’s important that we start putting some wins together here, and I think our power play can be a big part of that. It’s key moments in a game, and we haven’t been able to use it our advantage.” Mathew Barzal has notched four assists in his last three games to take over the team lead with 25 points - one more than Josh Bailey.

OVERTIME

1. Detroit C Frans Nielsen has scored all five of his goals in eight games this month.

2. New York C Valtteri Filppula (seven games) and RW Jordan Eberle (five) both are mired in point droughts.

3. The Red Wings were credited with 20 giveaways and coughed up a 2-0 lead in the loss to the Islanders earlier this month.

PREDICTION: Islanders 4, Red Wings 2