The New York Islanders are way above the New Jersey Devils in the standings, but if you look at their recent results you would think it was the opposite. The hosts are coming into this contest looking for a fourth consecutive victory, while the visitors are desperate to end a four game skid. Facing their local rivals at New Jersey could be exactly what the Islanders need to turn the tide though as they have dominated these visits of late.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Situational/Motivational - The Islanders recent skid have seen them drop out of contention for the Presidents' Trophy. There's no time to feel sorry for themselves though as they need to buckle up to secure as good of a seed as they can for the upcoming playoffs. They're still second in the Metropolitan Division, but the Pens and the Caps are now only two points back. New Jersey is 10 points back of the Bruins for the last wild card in the East, and with only 11 games to go a playoff spot is nothing more than a pipe dream for the Devils.

2. Previous Meetings - The visitors have a chance of sweeping this season's series tonight after winning each of the first three match-ups. They won 3-2 in OT here in New Jersey on Jan 9th and have won five straight meetings at the Prudential Center.

3. X-Factor - Both the Islanders top goaltender Jaroslav Halak and their star defenseman Nick Leddy are likely to be back in the line-up tonight after recovering from injuries.

Selection: This is a play on the New York Islanders (8*)