(My Sportsbook) - The two extremes in the Eastern Conference standings will meet tonight, as the mighty Boston Bruins visit the lowly New York Islanders at Nassau Coliseum.

The Bruins lead the East with 68 points and are a full 40 points ahead of the Islanders, who are dead last in the conference with just 28 points through their first 43 games of the season.

Boston won the first of four meetings between these clubs on November 28, notching a 7-2 home victory. The Bruins have won three straight and four of five overall in this series, but New York has taken five of the last six encounters on Long Island.

New York has lost five straight games and hasn't tasted victory since earning a home win over Florida on December 31. The Isles have lost 17 of their last 19 games and have notched a total of six points over that stretch, going 2-15-2 since the start of December.

The Islanders began a five-game homestand Tuesday night against the rival New York Rangers and were handed a close loss. Henrik Lundqvist made 33 saves and the Rangers used a power-play goal by Nigel Dawes in the second period to skate past the Islanders, 2-1, at the Coliseum.

Chris Campoli scored the only goal for the Islanders. Goaltender Joey MacDonald started for the Islanders but left the game early in the first period with a strained groin. Yann Danis allowed two goals on 26 shots in relief.

MacDonald's ailment compounds an already serious injury problem in goal for the Isles. Franchise goaltender Rick DiPietro has played in just five games this year while dealing with various physical issues, including surgery on his knee, and the club is considering shutting him down for the year.

Danis is the likely starter tonight, but it's uncertain who will serve as the backup.

In addition to the goaltending injuries, the Isles currently have four skaters on injured reserve.

The Islanders are just 7-10-2 as the host this year, but had won two straight at home prior to Tuesday's loss to the Rangers.

Boston, meanwhile, has won three straight and 13 of its last 15 games. The club last played on Tuesday against visiting Montreal and posted a regulation win over its Northeast Division rivals.

Zdeno Chara scored two power-play goals to help the Bruins notch the 3-1 decision over the Canadiens. The victory allowed Boston to widen its lead in the Northeast Division over the second-place Habs. The Bruins now hold a 12- point edge over Montreal for the top spot.

David Krejci tallied a goal and his 31st assist on the year for Boston. Tim Thomas stopped 34-of-35 shots to take the victory for the Bruins, who improved to 17-3-1 at home this season and finished with a 4-2 mark on their season- long six-game homestand.

The Bruins played their first game without forward Phil Kessel, who was placed on injured reserve while battling mononucleosis. Kessel, who leads Boston with 24 goals, will miss at least three weeks of action with illness.

Boston is playing the first of two straight on the road tonight and is 15-4-3 as the guest this season. The Bruins, who have won six straight road tests, will also visit Washington on Saturday.