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Islanders seek payback against Devils

Jan 4, 2007 - 4:33 PM NY Islanders (19-17-3) at New Jersey (22-13-4) 7:30 pm EST

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- Another victory over their neighbors would be just what the New York Islanders need to overcome their troubles.

The Islanders attempt to avoid extending their losing streak to a season-high five games and avenge Saturday's loss to the New Jersey Devils when the Atlantic Division rivals meet Thursday.

After goaltender Rick DiPietro posted his third consecutive home shutout against the New York Rangers on December 26, the Islanders dropped their next four. They failed to score in the first two games of their skid.

The second of those two shutouts was a 2-0 defeat to New Jersey on Saturday. Martin Brodeur turned aside 29 shots for the Devils, Brian Rafalski beat DiPietro for his second goal and Patrik Elias added an empty-net tally.

However, the Islanders have won five of the past six encounters against the Devils, including three straight road meetings.

Jason Blake scored his 23rd goal and Mike Sillinger added his 11th for the Islanders, who yielded the first three goals of Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Devils are hoping to rebound from the end of their three-game winning streak in Tuesday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Rangers.