The set-up: the 11-13-5 NY Islanders are back in a funk, after coughing up an early two-goal lead in a 5-4 setback against Chicago at home Thursday. They visit Buffalo tonight to take on the 11-11-6 Sabres, who are beginning see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Sabres scored four goals in a span of 6:13 for a 6-3 comeback win over Los Angeles on Tuesday, getting back to .500 on the season.

NY Islanders: New York had put together a 5-0-1 run to climb over .500 for the first time this season but has since lost three straight by scores of 6-2, 4-2 and 5-4. New York had been better defensively during their point streak, allowing 12 goals in six games, but has surrendered 15 in the past three contests. Thomas Greiss was in net against Chicago and that could give Friday's start to Jaroslav Halak but has yielded 16 goals in his last four outings overall

Buffalo: the Sabres have been dealing with injuries on defense all season long but defensemen Zach Bogosian and Taylor Fedun participated in practice on Thursday and both are nearing a return to the lineup, which would give the Sabres a full roster of defensemen for one of the first times this season. the sabres could use a return to health, as they play five games over the next eight days before their holiday break.

The pick: The islander entered the season off back-to-back playoff appearances and reached the Eastern Conference semifinals last spring for the first time since the 1992-93 season. Expectations were high coming in but with just 27 points, they find themselves at the bottom of a very competitive Metropolitan Division. That said, I see the islanders as the paly in this one, as while Halak has struggled lately, he is 7-2-0 lifetime against the Sabres. I will note that according to Newsday, youngster J-F Berube will get the start for the Islanders in net against Buffalo. It will be the first start of the season for him. Either way, the NYI are a 9* play.