The New York Islanders felt they had one of their best efforts of the season despite taking a shootout loss in San Jose Thursday, so they’ll trot out the same lineup of skaters tonight.
That means Josh Bailey remains a scratch (as does Andy Greene, which has enabled a long run of games for Sebastian Aho). The only difference is in goal, where Semyon Varlamov will get his first start since being quarantined in Canada during this month’s first Western trip.
While the Islanders continue to fade from the Eastern playoff race — okay, I guess you technically have to be there first before you can fade away — the Kings are in the thick of it out West.