All the latest from the blue paint...
Don’t call it a controversy
The Islanders will start Michal Neuvirth for the second straight game tonight against the Leafs -- but it isn’t a sign of potential goalie drama.
Tonight is the first of the Isles’ back-to-back set, which culminates tomorrow with a crucial tilt against the Rangers. Jaroslav Halak will face the Blueshirts, a team he’s fared well against this season, going 3-1-0 with a 2.51 GAA and .935 save percentage. Tomorrow’s game also represents the fifth and final meeting of the season between the two New York-based clubs, and a chance for the Isles (and Halak) to beat the Rangers in four of the five meetings.
As for Neuvirth, tonight’s game gives him a chance to make up for his debut -- a shootout loss to the Panthers on Saturday, in which he allowed three goals on just 18 shots.
For Toronto, Jonathan Bernier will be in goal.
Elsewhere...
Oilers at Red Wings: Ben Scrivens vs. (no Detroit starter yet)
Ducks at Canucks: (no Anaheim starter yet) vs. Eddie Lack
Preds at Coyotes: (no Nashville starter yet) vs. Louis Domingue
Pens at Sharks: (no Pittsburgh starter yet) vs. Antti Niemi