1:53 pm: Interesting reactions to Capuano's line changes. Many are already feeling they are interfering with Donovan's development, forgetting that we are only six games into an 82 game season.
The shake-up for Moulson on the second line is also interesting. With Moulson in a contract year, maybe they want to know if he produces without being attached to JT's hip.
Personally -- I think he will.
11:43 am: Sadly, it appears that Brock Nelson (the birthday boy) will sit tonight's game out. Though Art says he may take warm-ups.
10 am: Yesterday's Islanders practice had a decided different 'look' to it based on Newsday's Art Staple's Tweets:
Arthur Staple @StapeNewsday 14 Oct
#Isles lines today: Grabner-Tavares-Okposo, Nelson/Bouchard-Nielsen-Bailey, Moulson-Regin-Clutterbuck, Martin/Boulton-Cizikas-McDonald.
Obviously, Jack Capuano does NOT want this little hiccup to turn into another one of those early season losing streaks he is so familiar with. With the extended home stand this week, something has to change - or not.
With an 'optional' skate today, Capuano told Staple that Nabokov will be in goal vs. Sabres (most likely) Ryan Miller. Matt Donovan will be out (again), PM Bouchard will be back in along with Carkner. Other Forwards who will be out are to be determined later.
Staple's article on PM Bouchard was telling. He didn't think it would be so difficult to adjust to a new team, but it is and Jack can't waste time with "passengers." Tonight's lines will be interesting.
Note that it is Tavares Poster Pack night at the Coliseum, which seems like a pretty nice give-away.
Sideboards: Martinek skated with the team yesterday and ears perked up. Ex-NYIers Aaron Asham and Marty Biron were both put on waivers by the NY Rangers. This is what happens when NHLers begin to decline. It's a sad truth to the business. Although Asham hates LI traffic more than heading to Hartford. Or so he Tweeted.
It's also Brock Nelson's birthday. I'd like to see a goal for him as a gift. Also, since I know I won't be there tonight, I'm guessing Matt Moulson will score as well. Just because.
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