Islanders' Jaroslav Halak: Gets starting nod Thursday

Halak will start in the crease Thursday on the road against the Capitals, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Analysis:

Halak suffered four overtime losses in nine November starts, so the Isles decided to give him a break, handing the reins to complementary backstop Thomas Greiss for the final three games of the month; Greiss narrowly lost to the Sharks before downing the Flames and Penguins at home. Halak has his work cut out for him in the upcoming contest, as the Capitals rank in the top half of the league in goals and shots per game, not to mention shooting and faceoff percentage.