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Islanders aim to keep postseason hopes alive

Mar 31, 2007 - 3:50 PM Ottawa (46-24-8) at NY Islanders (36-29-12) 7:00 pm EDT

UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) - The slumping New York Islanders only have five games left to make their postseason dreams come true.

The Islanders will try to put an end to a three-game losing streak when they host the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

Goaltender Mike Dunham surrendered five first-period goals before being pulled as New York dropped a 6-4 decision to the conference leading Buffalo Sabres on Friday.

The Islanders enter Saturday's matchup just two points behind Montreal (40-32-6) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

New York hopes to strengthen their lineup soon as forward Ryan Smyth (leg) and top netminder Rick DiPietro (headaches) both remain uncertain for coach Ted Nolan.

Ottawa is searching for its fourth win in five tries after Friday's 5-2 triumph over Montreal. Goaltender Ray Emery had 26 saves and Mike Fisher had two tallies and an assist in the win.

The Senators are looking to hold off Pittsburgh (45-23-10) for fourth place and home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs in the East.