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It might be a nightmare for the announcers tonight as Sebastian Aho could go up against...Sebastian Aho. The Aho who plays for the Isles, is a 5’10” defenseman who turns 22 tomorrow. The Aho who plays for the Hurricanes, is a 5’11” left winger who was drafted 35th overall back in 2015.
The matchup is contingent upon Doug Weight dressing Aho, who was scratched in favor of Dennis Seidenberg last night. Seidenberg played a decent game so Weight will likely keep his lineup intact.
Perhaps the biggest surprise last night wasn't the Isles finally shutting out a team, it was Weight finally scratching Jason Chimera. The benching ended his 245 consecutive-game streak; Chimera had played in all 140 Islander games over the last two seasons.
The big question is whether Weight will turn to Jaroslav Halak again. Halak became the 11th to register a shutout when making at least 50 saves (since 1955-56 when shots on goal became an official stat) in last night’s 3-0 win against the Rangers. It’s been almost three years (April 10-11, 2015) since Halak started in back-to-back games. The 32-year-old has faced 1,016 shots since December 1, most in the NHL by over 100.
It’s very likely that Halak will play even if he doesn’t start. Thomas Greiss has been a disaster this season. Since December 1, Greiss is 2-5, with a 4.88 GAA and a .862 save percentage. He has allowed five or more goals in seven of those 11 games.
This is a huge game for the Islanders. A regulation win against the Canes tonight will slot them back in the second wild card. The Canes played in Jersey last night, losing 5-2. Both team have to travel to Raleigh.
As much as Halak owns the Rangers, 10-3-0, 2 shutouts since joining the Islanders, Cam Ward owns the Islanders. The veteran goaltender is 23-4-5, with a 2.70 GAA and .910 save pct.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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