After being embarrassed in the opener of their string of three road games in four days, the Pittsburgh Penguins look to atone for their performance when they visit the New York Islanders on Friday. Pittsburgh kicked off its tight trek with a 7-1 loss in Washington on Wednesday, allowing the game's first six goals before Phil Kessel prevented a shutout with 3:32 remaining in the third period.

The Washington Capitals found their offense against the defending Stanley Cup champions and hope to carry that over when they host the struggling Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. The Capitals have underachieved all season offensively and scored five goals in a four-game stretch before blowing out Pittsburgh 7-1 on Wednesday, led by a five-point night from center Nicklas Backstrom.

The Metropolitan-leading New York Rangers attempt to complete their four-game road trip with a perfect record Friday as they visit the division-rival Columbus Blue Jackets. New York bounced back from a 5-3 home loss to Vancouver on Nov. 8 in a big way, allowing a total of four goals while amassing 14 in triumphs over Calgary, Edmonton and the Canucks.

The Carolina Hurricanes have won two straight games for the first time this season and must raise their level of play another notch to make it three in a row when the league-leading Montreal Canadiens visit on Friday. The Hurricanes rolled over reigning Presidents’ Trophy-winner Washington 5-1 before blanking 2015-16 Western Conference champion San Jose 1-0 on Tuesday.

The Chicago Blackhawks' annual Circus Trip got off to a disappointing start, but the Central Division leaders hope to bounce back when they visit the Calgary Flames on Friday. Temporarily evicted from United Center due to the occupation of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, Chicago fell flat in Winnipeg on Tuesday, dropping a 4-0 decision that put an end to its 11-game point streak (9-0-2).