Creating and sustaining an impact has been a lingering dilemma over the first three-and-a-half months of the season. As such, it's part of the reason why the Islanders (17-19-7, 41 points) enter the first of three games in 14 days against John Tortorella’s squad in 15th place in the Eastern Conference, just two points ahead of last-place Buffalo.

John Tortorella's Philadelphia Flyers (19-20-6) are in Elmont on Thursday evening to take on Patrick Roy's New York Islanders (17-19-7).

The Philadelphia Flyers head to Long Island tonight to take on the New York Islanders, aiming to build on their recent strong performances.

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Leevi Merilainen authored his second shutout in three starts Tuesday night, recording 24 saves to lead the visiting Ottawa Senators to a 2-0 win over the New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y.