Preview: Struggling Kings Visit Playoff-Pushing Islanders ELMONT, N.Y. (Interstat) — The New York Islanders look to solidify their playoff position and avenge a recent loss when they host the struggling Los Angeles Kings at UBS Arena on Friday night. The Islanders (37-28-0) enter the matchup riding momentum from a 4-3 overtime road victory against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday. Center Mathew Barzal, a key player to watch, powered that win with a goal and two assists, continuing his strong offensive pace. In his last six games, Barzal has recorded two goals and seven assists. New York sits in a crowded Eastern Conference wild-card race and can ill afford a misstep against a sub-.500 opponent. The Islanders dropped a 5-3 decision to these same Kings in Los Angeles just over a week ago on March 5. The Kings (26-38-0) arrive on Long Island after a tough 2-1 overtime loss in Boston on Tuesday. Their season has been defined by inconsistency, as evidenced by their recent stretch of alternating wins and losses over the past eight games. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who made 20 saves in the Boston loss, is expected to start. He was the winning netminder in the teams’ last meeting, making 31 saves in the 5-3 Kings victory. Los Angeles will need a similar performance from Kuemper to counter an Islanders team that has found ways to win close games, boasting a 4-0 record in overtime contests in their last 10 outings. The Kings’ road record remains a significant hurdle in their disappointing season. For New York, maintaining discipline will be critical after special teams proved decisive in the March 5 loss. The Islanders’ upcoming schedule is heavily home-weighted, making a strong start to this stand vital for their postseason aspirations. Meanwhile, the Kings begin a challenging three-game Eastern road trip, facing the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers immediately after this contest. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EDT at UBS Arena.