Building blocks: On Tuesday night, the Islanders were credited with 16 blocks. Islanders d-men are known to get down to sacrifce the body, and they lead the NHL with 971 blocked shots.

Playoffs?: It's every NHL team's goal to make the second season. The Islanders need to take care of their own business to barrel into the eighth spot in the East, but a little help from rivals can go along way. The Leafs fell 5-1 in Calgary on Tuesday, helping the Isles to be a mere six points out of the last spot until the Leafs topped Edmonton Wed. night. Entering Thursday's game, the Isles stand eight points from eighth place.

Le Tweet: Both players featured in the spotlight of this preview are French Canadian Tweeters who have been known to tweet in their native language from time to time. This is probably more than a little confusing for the English-speaking fans. Don't fret, that's what Google Translate is for.

A couple of big Mac's/Mc's: Blues forward Andy McDonald, a near namesake to the Islanders defenseman, returned to action Sunday after missing 51 games due to a concussion. He had an assist in the Blues 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks. 

Andrew MacDonald has been key for the Islanders on defense, logging 23:52 time on ice (23rd in the NHL) in 49 games played. In his last five games, he has had two assists and he is ninth in the league with 126 blocked shots.

Andrew MacDonald scored two goals, including the game-winner, as the Islanders skated to a 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues at Nassau Coliseum March 5, 2011. John Tavares, Michael Grabner, PA Parenteau and MacDonald all recorded two points and Al Montoya stopped 21 of 23 for the win. Chris Stewart and Andy McDonald rounded out the scoring for St. Louis and McDonald also skated away with two points.

Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano on the Islanders special teams play in Winnipeg: “When your special teams does its job, especially this time of year, you’re going to have success.”