NHL : NHL-leading Blackhawks visit the Islanders on Thursday

The Chicago Blackhawks (19-8-4 SU, 14-17 ATS) will play their second straight game in New York Thursday night against the Islanders. Coming off of a 2-1 victory against the Rangers on Tuesday, the Hawks will look to extend their winning streak to three games. Despite missing their number one goaltender, Corey Crawford, following an emergency appendectomy, Chicago hasn’t missed a beat. They’ve been able to lean on strong play from their backup goaltender Scott Darling since December 3, who owns a 2.02 goals against average and a .933 save percentage. Patrick Kane (8 goals, 20 assists) leads the team in points, while veteran Marian Hossa leads the team in goals with 15.

The Islanders (11-12-5 SU, 12-16 ATS) have struggled to find consistency so far in the 2016-17 season. Losers of their last two games, New York has not been able to keep the puck out of the net. The Islanders are eighth worst in the NHL in goals against, giving up 2.93 goals per game. New York’s goaltending tandem of Jaroslav Halak (3.13 goals against average, .907 save percentage) and Thomas Greiss (2.42 goals against average, .919 save percentage) have not performed up to standard. Puck drops at 7 PM ET.

NHL Odds: Kane and Toews take on Tavares and the Islanders

The Chicago Blackhawks (19-8-4) visit Brooklyn on Thursday to take on the Islanders (7 PM ET on MSG+). Chicago captain Jonathan Toews (4 goals, 8 assists) will make his second start since returning from injury. Goaltender Scott Darling (2.02 goals against average, .933 save percentage) made 33 saves on the night for his third straight win as the Hawks starter.

The New York Islanders (11-12-5), led by John Tavares (9 goals, 13 assists), have been a model of inconsistency so far this year. Ranking eighth-worst in goals allowed per game (2.93) and 15th in team offense (2.59 goals per game), the Islanders find themselves in last place in the Metropolitan Division.