The Islanders open a back-to-back Florida swing for their dads/mentors’ trip on Saturday night against the Atlantic Division-leading Lightning at Benchmark International Arena after concluding a 3-3-1 homestand with an impressive 6-3 win over Nelson’s Avalanche on Thursday night.

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

Brock Nelson got his standing ovation. The Islanders got their two points during a win against the Avalanche on Thursday.

The Islanders have the worst powerplay in hockey, and splitting up Matthew Schaefer and Mathew Barzal may be the key.

The New York Islanders' solid win over the NHL-leading Colorado Avalanche featured a goal-of-the-year candidate.

Both teams were off Wednesday after earning wins Tuesday night at home. Ilya Sorokin carried a shutout bid deep into the third period and finished with 30 saves as the Islanders edged the Tampa Bay Lightning, 2-1. The Avalanche ran their point streak to 17 games by beating the Vancouver Canucks, 3-1.

Following a 6-3 loss to the Islanders, Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar took aim at the referees over a disputed early goal.