Chicago @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 24, 2018 ) Chicago 3, NY Islanders 1

The New York Islanders not only survived but thrived during a road-heavy schedule to close out 2018, winning four in a row and seven of eight to boost their standing in the Metropolitan Division. The upcoming schedule is much more favorable for the Islanders, who will play 11 games in 20 days starting with a home matchup versus the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday night.

New York will play seven of the next 11 leading to the All-Star break at home, and eight of those games are against teams currently outside of the playoff picture. "We're right there in the playoff race with a couple of games in hand," Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner said following Monday's 3-1 victory over Buffalo. "We need to keep climbing and try to separate and catch up." The Blackhawks had won five of six before falling to Boston 4-2 in the Winter Classic at Notre Dame Stadium, a game they relished despite falling to 0-4 in one of the NHL's showcase events. "Just an unbelievable experience," netminder Cam Ward said. "I'm really thankful I got the opportunity to do it and you're just disappointed that you don't come away with the win."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, NBC Sports Network, NBCS Chicago

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (15-21-6): Forward Brendan Perlini, acquired in a trade with Arizona in late November, had only two goals in 22 games with the Coyotes and got off to a slow start with Chicago. However, the 22-year-old Perlini is starting to show why he was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2014 draft, scoring for the third time in eight games and registering four shots on goal in only 7 1/2 minutes of ice time. "Whether we've been losing or winning, everyone's in good spirits," Perlini said. "It's a challenge to me, to see where I can push myself in different directions and where I can succeed from (here)."

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (21-13-4): Lehner made a triumphant return to Buffalo, where he spent the previous three seasons, by earning his fifth straight win. Lehner, playing in the city for the first time since revealing alcohol issues and a bi-polar diagnosis, has allowed three goals in the winning streak and eight in his last eight appearances. "Everyone has seen what Robin has gone through personally and they see what he can do in net," coach Barry Trotz said. "Everybody knows he was in Buffalo and hopefully this was sort of closure for his years in Buffalo and we're happy he's with us and playing well."

OVERTIME

1. Islanders C Mathew Barzal has six goals and three assists during a five-game point streak.

2. Blackhawks F Drake Caggiula, acquired from Edmonton on Sunday, is dealing with visa issues and had yet to join the team.

3. Islanders C Valtteri Filppula (upper body) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Blackhawks 2