Having already handed the expansion Atlanta Thrashers their franchise’s first-ever victory, the Islanders will try to avoid a repeat performance at Nassau Coliseum.

Losers of 4 of 5, the Islanders yesterday demoted early-season hope Mark Lawrence to Lowell, after Lawrence failed to score a goal in 19 games. They recalled C Jason Krog and RW Vladimir Orszagh.

The Isles fell 2-0 to Atlanta Oct. 14, and have only two points more than the Thrashers this season.