Buffalo @ New York preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 12, 2019 ) NY Islanders 1, Buffalo 3

Given the loss of captain and franchise icon John Tavares in the offseason, the New York Islanders have enjoyed a magical season while remaining in contention for the Metropolitan Division title. Fresh off one of the most memorable victories of the season, New York can clinch a playoff slot against the visiting Buffalo Sabres on Saturday night.

The Islanders rallied for three unanswered goals in the third period, including two in the final two minutes, in a stunning 5-4 victory at Winnipeg on Thursday night. It was the third win in four games since absorbing lopsided shutout losses and kept New York within three points of first-place Washington. “It shows the heart in this room,” forward Casey Cizikas said. “There’s no quit. There’s no one getting down on themselves. Shift after shift, line after line, we just kept pushing.” Buffalo's late-season collapse continued in a 5-4 overtime loss to Detroit on Thursday -- it's fifth straight setback and 12th defeat in 13 games (1-10-2).

TV: 7 p.m. ET, MSG-Buffalo, MSG-Plus2

ABOUT THE SABRES (31-36-10): Although Buffalo has surrendered at least four goals in nine of the past 13 games, the team showed some moxie by erasing a late two-goal deficit Thursday with goals by Casey Mittelstadt and captain Jack Eichel to force overtime. The Sabres rallied despite the absences of defensemen Rasmus Ristolainen (illness) and Zach Bogosian (lower body), who will not accompany the team to Long Island. Coach Phil Housley lauded the energy provided by six rookies who were in the lineup, telling reporters "it provided us a spark."

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (45-26-7): Forward Jordan Eberle started and completed the comeback in Winnipeg, scoring a pair of third-period goals to cap a three-point night and tie captain Anders Lee for the team lead with five game-winning tallies, including a pair this month. Eberle also had a timely assist on New York's first goal Thursday, helping Mathew Barzal halt a 19-game drought with his first tally since Feb. 16. Defenseman Ryan Pulock broke out of his own funk with three assists after being held off the scoresheet in the previous eight games.

OVERTIME

1. Eichel has two assists in two matchups versus the Islanders this season and needs one more to reach 50 for the first time.

2. New York has converted on only 2 of 41 power-play chances since Feb. 24.

3. Sabres F Jeff Skinner has 37 goals on the season but just one in his last 20 games.

PREDICTION: Islanders 3, Sabres 1