Bailey Bursts: After a quiet three-fourths of the 2011-12 season, Josh Bailey picked up his game in the last two contests. He sat out two games with back spasms, then returned to the Islanders lineup with new linemates in Frans Nielsen and David Ullstrom. He shifted to right wing, giving him more room to focus on scoring. The move paid dividends as he scored three goals in the pair of games, including both Isles first goals.

From Friends to Foes: Monday’s trade deadline brought a pair of goodbyes to the Islanders locker room. Mike Mottau and Brian Rolston were dealt to the Bruins in exchange for Marc Cantin and Yannick Riendeau. Saturday’s game will be the first between the two since the trade and could see old teammates face off. Rolston’s played in both of Boston’s games since the trade and Mottau has played in one of two.

Getting Healthy: The Islanders injured list continues to shrink heading into the final finish of games. Before the puck dropped in Philadelphia, Dylan Reese came off the IR and should be ready to play soon. The remaining players on the injured now are only goaltenders Rick DiPietro and Al Montoya. Having healthy players can be a vital part of success at the finish line of an 82-game season, so now’s their time to take advantage.

The Bruins shut out the Islanders 6-0 Nov. 19 at Nassau Coliseum. Patrice Bergeron scored the game-winner at 7:08 of the first period while Chris Kelly notched two goals. Nathan Horton, Andrew Ference and Zdeno Chara rounded out the scoring for Boston and Tim Thomas made 23 saves for the shutout. Islanders prospect Anders Nilsson made his NHL debut in relief of Rick DiPietro and prior to the game, Ed Westfall, the Islanders original captain, was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame.

Casey Cizikas on Thursday's loss in Philadelphia: "We're old enough guys in here to know we needed some pushback on them. I don't think we realized it until there was about 10 minutes left."