Islanders searching for a spark in key clash in Detroit

(Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
The last time the New York Islanders visited Detroit, they snapped the Red Wings' six-game winning streak.

In their return trip Thursday night, those teams will play a pivotal game in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.

In a group battling for the final wild-card spot, Detroit (35-28-6, 76 points) has a three-point edge over the Islanders (29-24-15, 73).

Not long ago, t