In the midst of a four-game unbeaten streak (3-0-1), the Islanders host the struggling Bruins tonight at the Coliseum.
With a victory, the Isles (3-3-2) would end the month of October with a winning record for the first time since the 1992-93 season (6-5-1).
The Isles, who opened the season 0-3-1, are coming off a home-and-home sweep against the Canadiens last Friday at the Coliseum and Saturday at the Molson Centre. Both games were 2-1 victories.
"They did a terrific job this weekend," coach Butch Goring said yesterday after the Isles practiced at Iceworks in Syosset.
Having shown their competitiveness on the road (2-1-2), Goring said it's crucial for the Isles to begin winning at the Coliseum, where they come in with a 1-2-0 mark.
"We want to establish credibility at home," Goring said.
With a win or a tie tonight, the Isles would take a five-game unbeaten streak into Florida for Wednesday's game against the Panthers. The Isles' last five-game unbeaten streak was during the 1997-98 season, in which they went 4-0-1 from Jan. 28- Feb. 4.
But that team finished 30-41-11, much lower than what captain Kenny Jonsson expects this year.
"We have the best team ever since I've been here," said Jonsson, who's in his sixth season on Long Island. "We're playing a solid game."
Goring said goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, who earned his first Islander victory with a 37-save masterpiece Friday, will get the start tonight.
The Bruins (4-5-1-1), who were trounced by the Rangers 5-1 Sunday, come in 1-5-0-1 in their last seven games, and are 1-1-0-1 since Mike Keenan took over as coach. Center Jason Allison has a three-game goal streak and a six-game point streak. He leads the club with seven goals and 17 points.
