The New York Islanders have every reason to keep the pedal pressed firmly, if not all the way to the floor, as they visit the Buffalo Sabres for a home-and-home set.
The Isles begin the night in third place — by only a point ahead of the Bruins — and trailing the Capitals and Penguins by two and four points, respectively. The Capitals have injury and discipline concerns, so perhaps they are vulnerable as they visit the Rangers.
So to recap: No Kuznetsov or Samsonov tonight for the Capitals.