Bruins aim for consecutive wins in test with Islanders

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03/14/2009 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Bruins will try to win consecutive games for the first time in over two weeks while also extending their winning streak over the New York Islanders today at TD Banknorth Garden.

Boston is still tops in the East with 97 points despite going just 5-8-3 since February 7. However, the Bruins' recent struggles have allowed New Jersey to pull within six points for the top mark in the East, while Detroit is now even with Boston in the race for the Presidents' Trophy.

The Bruins, who haven't won two straight since February 24 and 26, bounced back from consecutive defeats to the New York Rangers and Columbus with Thursday's 5-3 victory over Ottawa.

Phil Kessel scored twice to leave him just one goal shy of his first-career 30-goal campaign in what is his third NHL season. P.J. Azelsson also scored and added an assist, while Aaron Ward and Chuck Kobasew tallied for Boston as well.

Tim Thomas stopped 25-of-28 shots in helping the Bruins improve to 23-6-5 at home this year.

Boston, which leads Montreal by 17 points for first in the Northeast Division, has won four straight overall versus the Islanders, including a 7-2 home win back on November 28. That victory increased the Bruins' home winning streak over New York to four straight.

The Islanders, though, have won five of their last seven games and ended a seven-game road losing streak on Thursday with a 3-2 overtime win over the Canadiens.

Kyle Okposo netted the game-winner just 26 seconds into OT, marking his fourth straight game with a goal. The 20-year-old and seventh overall pick of the 2006 draft is now tied with the traded Bill Guerin for the club lead in goals with 16.

Mike Iggulden scored his first NHL goal in fourth career game, while Frans Nielsen also tallied for the Islanders, who are still just 7-23-3 on the road this season. Yann Danis stopped 24-of-26 shots for the Islanders.

Blake Comeau had two assists for his second multi-point game on what is now a six-game point streak. Comeau has three goals and five helpers over the run.

New York plays the third test of a season-long six-game road trip.

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El Duque expected to throw Tuesday

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- New York Mets pitcher Orlando Hernandez, sidelined at spring training because of arthritis in his neck, is expected to resume throwing on Tuesday.

Hernandez received a cortisone shot Thursday after leaving camp and returning to New York to have his neck examined. The 41-year-old right-hander is penciled in as the team's No. 2 starter behind Tom Glavine.

El Duque's health is a major issue for the Mets, who won the NL East in 2007 and came within one victory of the World Series. Their aging and unsettled rotation is a big question mark this year.

MySportsbook.com has the Mets as -110 favorites to repeat as NL East champions odds. 

Hernandez went 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA last season, including 9-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 20 starts after the Mets acquired him from Arizona in late May. But he missed the playoffs because of a torn calf muscle.

New York already is without Pedro Martinez, out until at least midseason following rotator cuff surgery. Among those competing for starting jobs are prospects Mike Pelfrey, Philip Humber and Jason Vargas, plus veterans Chan Ho Park, Jorge Sosa and Aaron Sele.

Notes: Mets manager Willie Randolph is excited about two new utility players he could have on his bench: Damion Easley and David Newhan. ''Their value is really all over the place,'' Randolph said. Easley can play anywhere in the infield and could be used as an emergency outfielder, though Randolph said he would prefer to keep the veteran in the infield. Newhan, meanwhile, can play second base, third or any outfield position for the Mets. ''I love versatility,'' Randolph said. ''I love guys that can give me options when I need them to step in.''

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