Scouting the Islanders

The New York Islanders certainly haven’t played many boring games of late. Their last seven games have had combined (regulation) goal totals of 8, 8, 6, 12, 12, 6 and 9 goals, respectively. The Islanders have scored at least three regulation goals in seven consecutive games, but they’ve also been giving up quite a few goals, so this game isn’t easy to project. Al Montoya gets the start in goal for the Islanders. Montoya, 26, a 2004 first-round pick of the New York Rangers, will be making his first NHL start since April 9, 2009. He spent last season in the AHL and was called up by the Islanders on Feb. 11. In two relief appearances, Montoya has stopped 27 of 30 shots in 75 minutes of action. Here’s a story on Islanders high-flying rookie Michael Grabner, from the New York Times, followed by the expected lineups for the Islanders and the Kings…

Rookie’s strong season makes Islanders look smart

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ISLANDERS LINEUP
Matt Moulson-John Tavares-PA Parenteau
Michael Grabner-Frans Nielsen-Kyle Okposo
Blake Comeau-Josh Bailey-Jesse Joensuu
Michael Haley-Zenon Konopka-Rob Schremp

Andrew MacDonald-Travis Hamonic
Jack Hillen-Radek Martinek
Bruno Gervais-Milan Jurcina

Al Montoya

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KINGS LINEUP
Richardson-Kopitar-Simmonds
Smyth-Stoll-Williams
Clifford-Handzus-Brown
Ponikarovsky-Lewis-Westgarth

Mitchell-Doughty
Johnson-Scuderi
Martinez-Greene

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