Atlanta (11-18-4) at NY Islanders (10-20-3) 7:00 p.m. EST
UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- All the New York Islanders want
for Christmas is a win in December.
The Islanders try to earn their first win this month when they
host the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday.
New York is tied with the lowly Tampa Bay Lightning (7-16-9) for
the fewest points in the NHL with 23, and have earned just one
point in December, posting an 0-8-1 record this month. Its lone
point came during a 5-4 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals
on December 16.
The Islanders' 4-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators on
November 29 is the team's only win in its last 12 games as they
have struggled with numerous injuries.
New York has six players currently on injured reserve and will
be without top offensive players Trent Hunter and Doug Weight
against the Thrashers due to groin strains.
Hunter leads the team with 11 goals while Weight is first with
29 points this season.
However, if the Islanders are going to forge a win before
opening presents, it could come against the Thrashers, who are
4-11-2 since a season high five-game win streak.
Atlanta's futility continued on Monday as it suffered a 6-2
setback to the Toronto Maple Leafs.