Written by Christian A. | 08 March 2012

Updated: Head coach Jack Capuano announced that the Islanders will start Evgeni Nabokov tonight in net. Dylan Reese and Michael Grabner are the healthy scratches.

The Islanders and Devils will face off for the second of three matchups this week tonight at the Prudential Center.

Last time, the Isles defeated the Devils 1-0 at the Coliseum, with Anders Nilsson stopping all 24 shots he faced to get his first career NHL victory, Kyle Okposo scored the lone goal in the game in the second period.

The win moved them within five points of a playoff spot in the east, but a victory by the Winnipeg Jets on Monday moved the Islanders back to seven points out. A victory tonight, baring another Jets win, will move the Islanders back within five points.

Several Islanders are entering tonight’s game on different streaks. Matt Moulson has six points through his last six games; Frans Nielsen has four assists in the last four games; Casey Cizikas has three assists in his last three games; PA Parenteau has 12 points in his last 14 games and Josh Bailey has four goals in his last four games.

Expected Lineup for the Devils (via the New York Islanders website):

Forwards

Parise-Henrique-Kovalchuk
Sykora-Elias-Zubrus
Bernier-Josefson-Clarkson
Boulton-Carter-Janssen

Defensemen:
Fayne-Greene
Larsson-Salvador
Volchenkov-Zidlicky

Goaltenders:
Brodeur; Hedberg

Pre-Game Reading

Josh Bailey’s Move Pays Dividends for Islanders - Newsday

John Tavares’ Hard work Pays Dividends - Newsday

New Jersey Seeks Revenge; Should Parenteau Too? - Lighthouse Hockey

Devils Vow They’ll be ready for Rematch - The Star Ledger 

County Gets Two Bids to Develop Nassau Hub - Newsday

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