Event of the Day: Islanders versus Bruins
Our event of the day is the crucial meeting in the NHL between the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins at the Nassau Coliseum. Both teams are in prime position to secure a playoff berth this term, with the Islanders sitting top of the Metropolitan Division whilst the Bruins reside second in the Atlantic standings. However, with only 10 games left in the regular season, every single fixture becomes crucial and both sides will be just as desperate to pick up the win in tonight’s affair as the post season edges ever closer. The Islanders secured their third win from their last four matches last time out as they beat the Minnesota Wild in a thrilling contest which was decided in overtime. That win saw them overtake the Capitals in the Metropolitan Division to take the top spot as we enter the closing weeks of the campaign. Winger Anders Lee currently leads his side in the goal scoring stakes and has notched 27 times already having appeared in all 72 regular season games thus far. After the Islanders failed to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, coach Barry Trotz will be desperate to bring postseason hockey back to the ‘Big Apple’ this time round. 
Meanwhile the Bruins have enjoyed another impressive season on the ice and remain second in the Atlantic Division behind the untouchable Tampa Bay Lightning. However, after recently recording a six-game winning streak, Boston have won just one of their last four fixtures and will be desperate to regain the form that saw them enter the Stanley Cup conversation. Despite making a playoff appearance in nine of the last 11 campaigns, the Bruins have just one Stanley Cup victory to their name since the turn of the century, coming in 2011, and Bruce Cassidy’s men will be eager to amend that record this year. Last time these sides met, the Bruins ran out 3-1 winners over the Islanders as Patrice Bergeron scored twice in his 1000th career game. Tonight should be another exciting game between these two sides.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the NBA where the LA Clippers face the Indiana Pacers at the Staples Center. The hosts currently sit eighth in the West and will look to extend their recent run of form to notch their ninth win from their last 11 outings. Meanwhile, the Pacers look a shoo-in to secure a playoff berth and will be looking for their second win over the Clippers of the season in tonight’s heavyweight clash. Elsewhere, Day 1 of the Tour Championship gets underway in the snooker today as the inaugural edition gets underway at Venue Cymru in Llandudno. In the cricket, South Africa host Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the series at Newlands in Cape Town. Meanwhile, the curtain will be raised on the Miami Open today with the round of 128 which will feature some of tennis’ most talented female players. Also in the NBA, the Houston Rockets will hope to secure their tenth win from 11 outings as they travel to the Phillips Arena to face the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by NHL