Surging Islanders blank Devils, climb into second place

NEW YORK — The Islanders have been winning every possible way in their inaugural season in their new home at Brooklyn's Barclays Center. A shutout by backup goalie Thomas Greiss was another first.

Marek Zidlicky scored twice and Greiss made 27 saves for his first shutout of the season to lead the Islanders to a 4-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, extending New York's streak without a regulation loss to 10 games.

"I'm just happy we are winning," said Greiss, who improved to 9-3-2 in his first season with the Islanders. "The team is playing great in front of me. This was one of our best games all year."

John Tavares and Matt Martin also scored for the Islanders, who are on an 8-0-2 stretch and moved into second place in the Metropolitan Division — one point ahead of the crosstown-rival Rangers. The Islanders trailed the Rangers by 11 points entering play on Nov. 25.

The Islanders also improved to 11-4-2 at home. Coach Jack Capuano said he's most gratified his team is playing in cohesive units.

"We grinded it out — made the simple plays and used all five guys," he said. "That's what makes our team successful."

Cory Schneider, starting for the fifth straight game for the Devils, gave up three goals on 18 shots before he was replaced by Keith Kincaid after Martin's goal 7½ minutes into the second period. Kincaid finished with 11 saves.

It was a rare subpar performance by Schneider, who had allowed two goals or less in 15 of last 17 starts.

"We weren't good enough from the goal on out tonight," Schneider said. "We needed a better start. And that wasn't the case for us. We'll bounce back."

The Devils were again without star centers Travis Zajac (upper body injury) and Adam Henrique (lower body).

Zidlicky, who played parts of four seasons with the Devils, opened the scoring with a slap shot from the point at 7:43 of the first period. The 38-year-old defenseman, who joined the Islanders as a free agent during the summer, hadn't scored since opening night against Chicago on Oct. 9.

Tavares made it 2-0 at 11:53 of the first, tipping Kyle Okposo's pass behind Schneider for his team-leading 13th goal of the season.

"It was great to see guys get rewarded for playing hard," Tavares said. "We had our legs tonight from the get-go and we were able to establish the lead early."

Martin's third goal of the season made it 3-0 at 7:28 of the second, and chased Schneider.

Zidlicky's second goal of the game and third of the season capped the scoring with 43 seconds left in the second.

"Throughout his career, he's been known for his shot," Capuano added. "It's his release. There's a lot of velocity."

Greiss made nine saves in the opening period, seven in the second and 11 in the third.

Greiss joined the Islanders as a free agent last summer. He and Jaroslav Halak have formed a fine tandem for the Islanders, who have struggled in recent seasons with backup goalies. Both Halak, who has two shutouts, and Greiss have nine wins.

The Islanders also improved to 7-0-2 in division games and are the only team with a point in all division games.

"We just want to keep rolling," said Frans Nielsen, whose 12 goals are second to Tavares on the team. "We have more big games ahead."

The Islanders host Florida on Tuesday before traveling to Colorado and Arizona, before hosting Anaheim prior to the Christmas break. They have won five straight home games against New Jersey and are 8-0-1 in their last nine games overall against the Devils.

It was the third meeting of the season between the teams with each team previously owning a home-ice win. The teams meet once more on Feb. 19 in Newark, NJ.

NOTES

Islanders forward Ryan Strome was scratched after suffering an upper body injury during Saturday's win at Columbus. D Brian Strait and LW Eric Boulton also sat out. ... The Devils scratched D Jon Merrill and RW Brian O'Neill ... The Islanders are 15-2-0 when they score at least three goals (including shootout winners), and are 3-6-5 when they do not.