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Isles, Sabres meet aiming for consecutive wins

Nov 29, 2011 - 3:54 PM (Sports Network) - The New York Islanders will try to post consecutive wins for the first time in over a month when they visit the Buffalo Sabres for tonight's clash at First Niagara Center.

Since their last winning streak -- a three-game stretch from Oct. 10-15 -- the Islanders have compiled a dismal 3-10-4 record. New York had lost four straight before winning the finale of a home-and-home series against New Jersey on Saturday.

The Isles lost their home portion against the Devils by a 1-0 score on Friday, but on the following day they were able to record just their second win in 10 games. Michael Grabner's short-handed goal early in the third period lifted New York to a 3-2 road decision over the Devils.

The win over New Jersey did not come without controversy, however, as the Devils thought they had tied the game with 2.1 seconds to play in regulation. Zach Parise believed he had netted the equalizer, and it was called a goal on the ice, but the score was ultimately disallowed due to what was determined to be a distinct kicking motion.

"I just watched it and I'm sorry, but I can't agree with it," Parise said. "But if that's a kicking motion ... I don't know."

Matt Moulson and Josh Bailey also lit the lamp for the Islanders, while Al Montoya made 24 saves.

The victory was the first on the road for the Islanders this year. New York, which kicked off a four-game road trip against the Devils, is just 1-5-2 as the guest this season.

The Sabres, meanwhile, will try to record consecutive victories tonight for the first time since a four-game winning streak from Nov. 4-11. Buffalo ended a three-game slide with Saturday's 5-1 rout of Washington in what turned out to be the final game behind the bench for Capitals head coach Bruce Boudreau, who was fired on Monday.

Luke Adam continued his stellar rookie campaign in Saturday's win, scoring twice to lead the Sabres to the easy win. Adam, who was a second-round pick by Buffalo in the 2008 draft, has eight goals and eight assists this season, placing him third in the league in rookie scoring.

Jochen Hecht, Jason Pominville and Zack Kassian also scored for the Sabres, while Jhonas Enroth stopped 26 shots in the win.

"I thought everyone participated on the offense tonight," said Buffalo head coach Lindy Ruff. "All five guys on the ice participated and it was a good game, overall."

With Saturday's win, the Sabres improved to 6-6-1 as the host this season. Buffalo will complete a three-game homestand Friday against Detroit.

Sabres defenseman Robyn Regehr (upper body) and forward Drew Stafford (groin) missed the last game. Both players are questionable for tonight. Ryan Miller is still on IR with a concussion and Enroth has started seven straight games since Buffalo's No. 1 netminder was injured.

Tonight's test marks the first of four meetings between the Isles and Sabres this year. New York has taken four of five in the series overall and has won the last two meetings in Buffalo.