Preview: Blackhawks at Islanders

[December 15, 2016]  The Chicago Blackhawks have dominated the New York Islanders in their most recent meetings, even if the teams haven't met since opening the 2015-16 season with a home-and-home set. Chicago emerged victorious in both outings to improve to 7-1-1 in the last nine encounters heading into Thursday's tilt at the Barclays Center.

Hart Trophy recipient Patrick Kane scored the overtime goal in a 3-2 win over the Islanders before adding a three-point performance in a 5-1 victory the following night. Fast forward to the present and Kane has five points - all assists - in his last eight games after being held off the scoresheet in Chicago's 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday. While the Blackhawks rest atop the Central Division, the Islanders are languishing in the bottom of the Metropolitan with consecutive losses following a promising 5-0-1 stretch. "We find ways to lose games. We're not finding a way to win a game," said veteran netminder Jaroslav Halak, who has yielded 10 goals in his last two starts heading into a date with Chicago - against which he is 7-1-3 with two shutouts in his career.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, MSG-Plus (New York)

ABOUT THE BLACKHAWKS (19-8-4): Scott Darling has fared well in place of injured Corey Crawford (appendectomy), turning aside 33 of 34 shots at the Rangers to improve his save percentage to .966 over his past five starts. "You just get into a rhythm, you get comfortable, not as nervous," the 27-year-old Darling said. "You can just relax and have fun out there." Darling has benefited from Artem Anisimov's timely tallies as the 28-year-old Russian has registered three game-winning goals in his last four contests to claim a share of the league lead with Los Angeles' Jeff Carter.

ABOUT THE ISLANDERS (11-12-5): Veteran forward Andrew Ladd hasn't provided much bang for the buck since signing a seven-year, $38.5 million contract last summer. The 31-year-old has been limited to just one goal and two assists in his last 14 games and was held without a shot in his last contest heading into a tilt with a Chicago team with which he spent parts of four seasons. Ladd may wish to take pointers from fellow forward Anders Lee, who has collected seven goals and two assists in his last 10 games after mustering just one of each in his first 18 contests.

OVERTIME

1. New York has scored the game's first goal in eight of its last nine contests.

2. Reigning Calder Trophy winner Artemi Panarin has three goals and two assists in his past six games.

3. Islanders RW Cal Clutterbuck is expected to play in his 600th career game on Thursday.

PREDICTION: Blackhawks 4, Islanders 2

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