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The Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders are a long way from playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Both teams, however, can be encouraged by their recent defensive play.
The Maple Leafs look to ride their improved defense to their third straight win Thursday night when they visit the Islanders, coming off two strong outings of their own.
Though it's still 10 points behind the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, Toronto (23-26-12) is in position to record its first three-game winning streak since Dec. 8-16, thanks in large part to Vesa Toskala's hot streak.
The NHL-worst Islanders (18-36-6) have gotten a boost from Yann Danis, who came into this season with five career starts - all with Montreal in 2005-06.
Denis made a career-high 40 saves to notch his second career shutout in a 4-0 win over New Jersey on Saturday night before holding Pittsburgh to a late third-period goal Wednesday night.
Unfortunately for the Islanders, the one goal they gave up sent them to a 1-0 defeat, their 19th regulation loss in 21 road games since Nov. 28.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders are a long way from playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Both teams, however, can be encouraged by their recent defensive play.
The Maple Leafs look to ride their improved defense to their third straight win Thursday night when they visit the Islanders, coming off two strong outings of their own.
Though it's still 10 points behind the eighth and final playoff spot in the East, Toronto (23-26-12) is in position to record its first three-game winning streak since Dec. 8-16, thanks in large part to Vesa Toskala's hot streak.
The NHL-worst Islanders (18-36-6) have gotten a boost from Yann Danis, who came into this season with five career starts - all with Montreal in 2005-06.
Denis made a career-high 40 saves to notch his second career shutout in a 4-0 win over New Jersey on Saturday night before holding Pittsburgh to a late third-period goal Wednesday night.
Unfortunately for the Islanders, the one goal they gave up sent them to a 1-0 defeat, their 19th regulation loss in 21 road games since Nov. 28.
