What is the story about?
The
Islanders are off Wednesday in California before resuming the three-game trip in Los Angeles on Thursday. Three injured players inched closer to their returns, so we may see multiple lineup changes on the rest of the trip.
If you want to get a head start, First Islanders Goal picks for the game in L.A. go here.
Islanders News
- The Islanders need to play smarter, not get sucked into chaos like they did in San Jose. [Newsday]
- At practice Wednesday, J-G Pageau took a maintenance day while Matias Maccelli, Ryan Pulock and Mat Barzal practiced as regulars. [Isles]
- The Islanders’ letter-wearers are a sign of its changing leadership group. [Newsday]
- Kyle MacLean draws praise for ____ (if you thought that blank would be anything other than “his physicality,” you are either optimistic or cynical). [Post]
- Not The Onion: “Islanders games become new hot spot to make fashion statement as female fans flock to NHL.” [Post]
Monday night in San Jose had some theatrics. How did we feel about Mason “the dirty doesn’t fall far from the tree” Marchment?
And also:
Elsewhere
- Connor Hellebuyck returned to Winnipeg but wasn’t allowed to play by his team due to “win probability.” The fans gave it to him in warmups though, with chants of “coward” and referencing playoff failures. [Sportsnet | TSN]
- The Jets also gave their crowd a feel-good win, with ex-Devil trade piece Dawson Mercer scoring twice against his former club. [Sportsnet]
- Fans chanted Mercer’s name, ensuring he’ll never have to buy a beer in Winnipeg at least until he requests a trade. [NHL]
- Hellebuyck spoke of loving Winnipeg but experiencing threats to safety or something with his family. This calls it a “mixed message” to fans. [Sportsnet]
- The Maple Leafs continue to be not good. [TSN]
- In contrast to what Kevin Weekes has reported, the Flyers are reportedly not looking to trade Matvei Michkov, which is usually the prelude to “team is looking to trade guy, actually.” [TSN]
- Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are looking to do anything they can, because they’re 4-13-1. [TSN]
