BALLISTIC BARZAL
Matthew Barzal has earned four points (2G, 2A) over the last three games. He currently sits second on the team in scoring with 22 points (9G, 13A) this season, only behind Bo Horvat (29 points).
Barzal scored against Vegas in the team’s previous meeting this season. The 28-year-old has 10 points (6G, 4A) in 13 games against the Golden Knights in his career.
PERFECT PENALTY KILL
The Islanders’ penalty kill is 9-for-9 to start December.. They are one of five franchises, joining the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild and Golden Knights as the only teams to not allow a power-play goal this month.
The Islanders penalty kill went 5-for-5 against Vegas in the teams’ first meeting.
SEASON SERIES
The Islanders are 1-0-0 against the Golden Knights this season, winning 4-3 in overtime at T-Mobile Arena on Nov. 13. JG Pageau scored the OT winner while the Islanders were shorthanded. The other goals came from Emil Heineman, Matthew Schaefer, and Barzal.
The Islanders are 9-5-1 all-time against the Golden Knights, including 4-2-1 on home ice.
This is the second and final meeting between the Islanders and the Golden Knights this season.