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Struggling Bruins look to regroup vs. Islanders

Jan 11, 2007 - 2:43 PM NY Islanders (20-19-3) at Boston (20-17-3) 7:00 pm EST

BOSTON (Ticker) -- While the Boston Bruins have struggled on the road this season, they have been a different club at home.

The slumping Bruins hope to continue their strong play at TD Banknorth Garden on Thursday when they host the New York Islanders.

Boston has dropped four of its last five contests overall while losing five of its last seven on the road.

However, the Bruins, who own an 8-9-2 road record this season, have played well here, winning six of their last nine home contests and going 12-8-1 on the campaign. They look to improve that mark and rebound from Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators.

Marco Sturm and defenseman Paul Mara tallied Tuesday for Boston, which owned a 2-0 lead after two periods before falling apart in the final session.

Despite failing to record a point Tuesday, Boston center Marc Savard is fourth in the NHL with 38 assists. The Bruins on Tuesday also welcomed back rookie Phil Kessel, who played his first game since undergoing surgery for testicular cancer on December 12.

The Islanders hope to carry some momentum from Tuesday's thrilling 5-3 triumph over the rival New York Rangers.

Mike Sillinger tallied twice while Rick DiPietro made 28 saves for the Islanders, who snapped a season-high six-game skid.

The Islanders skated to a 4-1 victory over the Bruins on October 14 in the only previous meeting this season between the clubs.