Five out of the next six games for the Islanders are against the Top 4 teams in the Eastern Conference. The only team that isn't the top 4 are the Florida Panthers whom the Islanders are battling with for playoff contention.

The Isles are coming of a huge win this past Monday night against the Red Wings. That's all history now as the Islanders set up for perhaps their hardest stretch of games this season. If the Islanders are able to walk away with 6 points or more out of the stretch they could call it a success and stay in playoff contention. If they're unable to grab at least 6 points, they will be forced to dig themselves out of a hole.

On another note. Rick Dipietro is in net tonight after Dwayne Roloson has been 7-0-1 in his last 8 games. It's quite an awkward situation here... but Ricky is the "star" of the franchise. I really hope his does well tonight as all the players are really behind him. Hard to imagine what Roli is thinking... Undefeated in 8 games and not getting the nod. This is about building the franchise though and they need Ricky back in the long run. If they don't start him tonight - his confidence could keep dropping and hurt his chances of being able to return as the star of the team as he once was.

Buffalo @ New York Islanders - 7pm.