The Islanders have touched down in Dallas for a Sunday night encounter, where Pete DeBoer will be the story as he faces his most recent former team.
The Stars are in their 1980s Capitals era (or more generously, 1980s Flyers), perennially fielding really good teams but finding different reasons and divine interventions to prevent their return to the promised land. DeBoer authored one of those runs before getting canned after, seemingly, rolling the bus over Jake Oettinger after another playoff run fizzled
out too soon.
This begins a busy week for the Isles: a three-game Central swing through Dallas, Nashville and Minnesota, concluding back home with a Halloween matinee against the Oilers. They are of course traveling without injured Mat Barzal, Alex Romanov, Cal Ritchie and Matias Maccelli.
First Islanders Goal picks go here.
Islanders News
- Previewing tonight. [Isles]
- DeBoer discussed returning to Dallas and having Brayden Schenn back at center with Ritchie out. [Isles | Post]
- Man, remember that guy Pascal Morency? He’s the latest Weird Islanders Podcast subject — and he himself appears to share memories. [LHH]
- With his run of scratches to open the season, Scott Mayfield dismissed any thought of wanting out. [Post]
Elsewhere
- The Winnipeg Jets feel relief to have the Connor Hellebuyck situation over, with his trade to the Devils. And Dawson Mercer arrives just in time to participate in a Heritage Classic. [NHL]
- Hellebuyck talked about the move but kind of deflected or postponed answers on Winnipeg. [TSN]
- Hellebuyck’s arrival in New Jersey means the local teams should have the three best goalies in the league. (Is that Father Time I hear approaching?) [Post]
- Or maybe Oettinger is the best? He’s off to a super hot start, aided by a slight adjustment in his game. [Athletic]
- The Devils are, of course, excited for their new Vezina winner. [NHL]
- The Hurricanes tried to work with other teams to find a way to get Hellebuyck, to no avail. [Sportsnet]
- Quinn “JT” Hughes gave a non-update update on his contract situation. He obviously feels good in Minnesota and wants to win there, obviously, and things will work themselves out, obviously. [Sportsnet]
- The Oilers lost big to the Leafs, turning the spotlight once again on their thin depth. [Sportsnet]
