Key games this week:
*New York Islanders at Toronto Maple Leafs (today): The Islanders and Maple Leafs finished 13th and 15th, respectively, last season but lead their respective divisions. The Leafs (4-0) are off to their best start since they won their first 10 games in 1993-94. The Islanders are 2-1-2 despite missing injured regulars John Tavares, Mark Streit and Kyle Okposo.
*Dallas Stars at Tampa Bay Lightning (today): Two other non-playoff teams off to strong starts. The top line of Brad Richards, Loui Eriksson and James Neal is a combined plus 20 in the Stars' 4-0 start.
*Buffalo Sabres at Atlanta Thrashers (Wednesday): Vezina Trophy winner Ryan Miller has a 2.63 goals-against average as the Sabres rank 23rd in team defense. Teammate Tyler Myers, last season's top rookie, is tied for last in the league with a minus 7 rating.
*Carolina Hurricanes at Phoenix Coyotes (Saturday): Forward Ray Whitney played five seasons with the Hurricanes before signing with the Coyotes during the summer.
Wounded Rangers: New York Rangers winger Marian Gaborik
(shoulder) is out for two to four weeks. Captain Chris Drury
reinjured his broken finger and is out for six weeks.
