Will Isles play 'nervous' vs. Flyers?

Since dropping a 7-0 decision to the Flyers on Feb. 18, the New York Islanders have gone 13-8-2 and moved closer to their first playoff spot in six years.

The teams will meet Tuesday on Long Island, and the Islanders can take another step toward playing in the post-season.

"They haven't made the playoffs in a long time, and hopefully they're playing nervous," Flyers winger Scott Hartnell said after Monday's practice in Voorhees.

At practice, Hartnell returned to the top line with Claude Giroux and Jake Voracek. On Tuesday, Hartnell will apparently replace Matt Read, who would drop down to the second unit with Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds.

The Flyers are five points behind the Rangers and Islanders _ who are tied for the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. Both New York teams have played one more game than the Flyers.

The Flyers are 29-3-2 against the Islanders since 2007, and 7-0 at the Nassau Coliseum.

Tuesday is almost a must-win situation for the Flyers, who have 10 games left.

"It's good to have a little pressure, a little excitement," Giroux said.

John Tavares leads the Isles with 23 goals and 40 points, while Voracek tops the Flyers with 16 goals and 28 points.

Look for Ilya Bryzgalov to make his 23d straight start for the Flyers.  Pelle Lindbergh (24 straight in 1984-85) and Bernie Parent (37 straight in 1973-74) are the only goalies who have made more consecutive starts in club history.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.