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Isles, Leafs tonight in Toronto

November 19, 2013, 3:55 PM ET [255 Comments]
Dan Petriw
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The Islanders return to the ice tonight in Toronto as they take on the Maple Leafs. The big news out of Toronto is lineup decisions made by Islander head coach Jack Capuano today. Eric Boulton will dress tonight and I understand that logic as the Leafs are a team that is all too willing to drop the gloves. I actually thought the odd man out tonight would be Colin McDonald but he will play tonight and struggling winger Michael Grabner will be a healthy scratch.

Grabner has been off to a horrible start this year and since scoring two goals on opening night he has not found the back of the net since the first game of the year. Despite what you read from me in the Islander threads I actually do like Michael Grabner. However, many believe he is being misused by the coaching staff and I don’t see it. To me he is a third line forward and when he is going right a real good one at that. I by no means think that this coaching staff gets every move correct, for example I don’t really understand why Colin McDonald is on the second line tonight, but I digress. In my opinion Grabner is slotted exactly where he should be slotted; on the third line. In fact during last year’s playoff series Grabner played some of his best hockey on the fourth line with Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas. Maybe some time with them would spark him.

The bottom line with Grabner is if he can be moved to get a quality defenseman in here I think you have to part ways. Whatever his future is with this team he has to get back to attacking the net, finishing his checks and play with more desperation in his game.

Regardless of who is in the lineup the Islanders will have their hands full with a talented Maple Leaf team. The Isles will have to match the speed and physicality of an up tempo Toronto team. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.
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