Back in Boston, Gm 63: Islanders vs. Bruins, Game Notes & More

After two consecutive wins, the New York Islanders (28-25-9) are in Boston to face the Bruins (40-19-5) for the first of a back-to-back situation. Puck drop is slated for 12:30 PM ET at TD Garden.

The New York Islanders have played the Boston Bruins twice this season, with two wins and have outscored their opponent seven to two. Both games were played at UBS Arena.

The New York Islanders did not skate on Friday or Saturday, so we do not know who will be starting in net today.

Ilya Sorokin was victorious his last time out in the 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. With the Tampa Bay Lightning on tap for Sunday, we could see Semyon Varlamov back in between the pipes on Saturday.

In 23 career games against Boston, the 33-year old owns a 12-6-3 record, with a .933 SV% and a 2.23 GAA. During the 2021 season, Varlamov played the Bruins seven times, with a 5-1-0 record, a .943 SV% and a 1.93 GAA.

Former Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has been back at TD Garden since leaving the team following the 2019-20 season. But Saturday marks the first time that Chara will play in front of a full-capacity crowd.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS LINEUP (PROJECTED)

Lee-Nelson-Beauvillier

Bailey–Pageau–Palmieri

Parise-Barzal-Wahlstrom

Martin–Cizikas–Bellows

Pelech–Pulock

Chara–Dobson

Greene–Aho

Varlamov

BOSTON BRUINS (PROJECTED)

Marchand-Bergeron-DeBrusk

Hall-Haula–Pastrnak

Frederic-Coyle-Smith

Foligno-Nosek–Lazar

Lindholm–McAvoy

Grzelcyk-Carlo

Forbort–Clifton

Swayman

Ullmark

ISLANDERS GAME NOTES

The New York Islanders visit the Boston Bruins tonight in the third and final matchup between the two clubs this season.

The last time these teams met was February 17 at UBS Arena, when Mathew Barzal, Noah Dobson and Brock Nelson each recorded two-point games to help the Islanders win 4-1 at home.

The last time the Islanders visited TD Garden for a regular season matchup was May 10, 2021. They have a 7-2-1 record in their last ten games, and are 3-1-1 in their last five matchups with an Atlantic Division opponent.

WHO’S HOT

New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson has five goals and three assists over his last five games. Forward Anders Lee has two goals and five assists over his last five games.

Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has four goals and an assist over his last five games. Over his last five games, Charlie Coyle has five assists.

BETTING CORNER

The New York Islanders are the road underdogs against the Boston Bruins, coming in at +160. They are -160 on the reverse puck line. The hometown Bruins are -185 and are +140 on the puck line.

The over for the contest is set at 5.5, with the over at -110 and the under at -110.

These lines are subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

HOW TO WATCH:

Saturday’s contest will be available on MGS+ & NHL Network. On the radio dial, the game can be heard on 1050 AM ESPN, 88.7 FM WRHU and 103.9 FM LI News Radio.