Tonight the Islanders are in Detroit to kick off the longest road trip in franchise history (Joe Louis Arena, 7:30 PM ET).
A Farewell to The Joe:
Being that it is unlikely that the Islanders and Red Wings will meet in the playoffs, this is likely the final time the Islanders will play a game at Joe Louis Arena. Following this season, the Red Wings are moving to an upgraded and brand new arena named Little Caesars Arena. The Red Wings have called Joe Louis Arena home since 1979 and while they’ve still got some games left in their building, the Isles will be playing there for the final time tonight.
Late Losses:
The Islanders and Red Wings have met twice this season and although the Isles got a point in their first meeting, the result has been the same each time. The two teams met for the first time this season in Brooklyn where the game went to overtime and Detroit won 4-3. The second and most recent meeting was earlier this month in Detroit where Jason Chimera played his 1,000 NHL game and Dennis Seidenberg played in his 800th. The Islanders tied it late on a goal by Chimera but it wasn’t even enough to earn a point as the Red Wings found the back of the net in the final 30 seconds after the puck bounced off some Islanders’ skates.
Welcome to the Road:
The Islanders enter tonight’s game with a 9-0-2 record in their last 11 home games. They won’t have to worry about losing that streak tonight, or the next few weeks. The Islanders are on the road until March 13th as they begin a nine game road trip, the longest in franchise history. The Islanders are 7-13-4 on the road this season, tied for the fewest amount of wins (Carolina and Colorado with seven road wins too).
Clutterbuck Back in the Lineup:
Both Shane Prince and Cal Clutterbuck made the trip to Detroit and Clutterbuck is back in the lineup tonight. The 12 forwards from last game and Clutterbuck will take the ice for warmups and one of the 12 from last game will be scratched. The Islanders will go with the same defense as last game and Thomas Greiss will be in goal.
