ISLANDERS (5-5-5) at DEVILS (9-4-0)

Last 10 -- New York 5-3-2; New Jersey 8-2-0

Season series -- The Devils get their first look at 2009 top draft pick John Tavares. The Devils not only won the six-game series last season, 4-2, but they also held a 226-177 advantage in shots.

Big Story -- Will he or won't he? New Jersey Devils forward Patrik Elias, coming off multiple surgeries this offseason (one on his hip and two on the groin), began practicing with the team for the first time this week hoping for a weekend return. Devils coach Jacques Lemaire was asked when he expected the club's all-time leading scorer to play following his team's victory over the Capitals on Wednesday. "Very soon, in the next few days," Lemaire told the media. "If not the next game, I would think the following one. But there's always things that change."

Team Scope:

Islanders -- Led by a pair of goals from the unlikeliest of skaters -- defenseman Brendan Witt -- the Isles scored a 3-1 victory over Edmonton on Monday to earn their fourth