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Islanders need win over rival Devils to reach postseason

Apr 8, 2007 - 5:05 PM NY Islanders (39-30-12) at New Jersey (49-24-8) 3:30 pm EDT

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- After an 81-game trek spanning over six months, the New York Islanders' entire season hinges on one final tilt.

The Islanders conclude their season Sunday against the rival New Jersey Devils, needing a victory to reach the playoffs.

New York needs two points to pass the Toronto Maple Leafs (40-31-11) for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

However, those crucial points will be difficult to come by against New Jersey, which has won the last six meetings between the Atlantic Division rivals. The Islanders dropped a 3-2 decision at home in the last meeting between the clubs on March 27.

The Islanders have recorded three straight wins thanks to some stellar play from third-string netminder Wade Dubielewicz, who has stopped 92-of-98 shots over that span.

Dubielewicz will have to come up with another brilliant performance Sunday to match his counterpart, Martin Brodeur.

A likely starter Sunday, Brodeur has three shutouts and a .966 save percentage in his current six-game winning streak against the Islanders.

New Jersey is locked into the second spot in the east and will face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of the playoffs.