• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Toskala look for another strong effort vs. Islanders

Feb 26, 2009 - 11:27 AM Toronto (23-26-12) at NY Islanders (18-36-6), 7:00 p.m. EST

UNIONDALE, New York (Ticker) -- The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but that has not stopped Vesa Toskala from performing at a high level.

Toskala and the Maple Leafs begin a brief two-game road trip Thursday, when they visit the lowly New York Islanders.

Riding a hot streak, Toskala stopped 31 shots and turned aside all three attempts in Wednesday's 2-1 shootout win over the New York Rangers, improving his record to 6-0-4 since January 19.

The 31-year-old Finn also shined in Sunday's 2-1 overtime victory over the Rangers, making 29 saves.

Despite recent success, Toskala may be forced to undergo surgery to repair groin and hip injuries that have nagged him all season, according to the Toronto Star.

The Islanders, who are 1-19-1 in their last 21 road games since November 22, begin a six-game homestand.

New York, which is coming off a 1-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday, has scored more than three goals in a game once since January 29.