12:25 pm: Guess it's not Anderson:
Bruce Garrioch @SunGarrioch · 25m25 minutes ago
Robin Lehner first goalie off the ice. Anderson took a high shot. May not play. #Sens
Halak will be in net and the line-up stays as it was on Saturday. Now... Let's hope no one gets hurt. Thanks.
7 am: A new day, and a dreary one at that.
The Isles face the Senators tonight after both having basically a day off. Both teams have their injury issues to deal with. Here is what coach MacLean had to say yesterday about tonight's game:
Okay, I added the video because I find it interesting that this could have been Jack Capuano discussing his team. It's about compete level and pain tolerance. I'm wondering if the NHL gives everyone an interview style guide.
But it is true, there are no easy teams in this league. No team's building you are guaranteed two points. It's a battle nightly for all 30. And there is mutual respect because of it.
From tonight's preview on the Isles website:
The Ottawa Senators come into tonight’s game hoping to rebound after two consecutive losses. Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano said the Senators thrive on capitalizing on mistakes made by the opposition. The Islanders will look to grab momentum early to extend a six-game home winning streak.
“[The Ottawa Senators] are a pretty physical team,” Capuano said. “Goaltending, with [Craig] Anderson and [Robin] Lehner back there is a strong part of their team. For us, it’s making sure that we match their intensity level no matter who comes in this building and making sure that we play structured. They have a few guys up front that can be very dangerous up front that we have to make sure that we contain.”
The Senators may have Craig Anderson, but the Isles have Jaro Halak who was honored with being named the NHL star of the week for his performances. A well deserved honor for sure
Jack Capuano also said that Michael Grabner may be available to play some time this week. That makes me just a tad uncomfortable. As it probably does Jack. With a team that has been playing well, adding a player who missed all of camp as well as the beginning of the season makes me wonder what will happen with the chemistry.
Art Staple is quick to point out (and rightly so) the lack of points from Josh Bailey as well as Frans Nielsen and Mikhail Grabovski. In my eyes, if someone will be replaced, it will be Josh. But not yet.
I am more concerned about Visnovsky and Boychuk. While the Isles can still win a game without them, I think it's easier WITH them. Here's to hoping their absence is not extended. Travis Hamonic will "likely play tonight" according to Newsday.
More from the guys who get to go to practices in the morning because that is their job as mine is sitting at a desk generating invoices. Their job is a lot more fun
Sideboard: Five year out clause? Really? What happened to the "iron clad lease" we were told the Isles had at Barclays? Truth be told -- we have no idea what the TRUTH actually is. Grab a popcorn it's going to be a long movie
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