The Islanders, winners of three straight, head to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes in what could be their last meaningful game of the season. Defenseman, I mean forward Thomas Hickey scored the OT-winner Tuesday night in Nashville. Interim head coach Doug Weight will have Hickey as a winger again tonight.
This is just another chapter in general manager Garth Snow's disaster of a season. There no roster limit this time of season, yet the Islanders only have 11 healthy forwards. The last time I checked Bridgeport was not in outer space. Bracken Kearns, who was called up earlier in the season should have been called up. Hickey scoring the winning goal is like Wade Boggs coming in in a blowout and striking out a batter and being the starting pitcher the following night. Hickey did score the goal playing as a defenseman.
Nikolay Kulemin has practiced with the team but is not quite ready. Jaroslav Halak will get his fourth straight start.
We will know later tonight whether the Islanders are still fighting for the second wild card spot. They need plenty of help. Here is how it breaks down.
The Isles need to finish ahead of at least two of these three teams to make the playoffs: Ottawa, Toronto, Tampa Bay.
Standings: Ottawa 94 points, 37 ROW in 79 games Toronto 93 points, 38 ROW in 79 games ISLES 88 points, 36 ROW in 79 games Tampa Bay 88 points, 35 ROW in 79 games · ISLES will finish ahead of Ottawa IF Isles win last 3 (including at least one ROW) and Sens lose last 3, all in regulation · ISLES will finish ahead of Toronto IF Isles win last 3 and Leafs lose last 3, all in regulation OR IF Isles win last 3 (all ROW) and Leafs go 0-2-1 in last 3. · ISLES will finish ahead of Tampa Bay IF Isles earn as many points in last three as Lightning, and have at least as many ROWs. There is still a possibility of a 3-way tie between the Isles/Lightning and either Ottawa or Toronto (at 94/37 with Ottawa or 94/38 with Toronto).
Finally, I just want to send my thoughts and prayers to former Islander Kyle Okposo and his family. Okposo is in the Neuro Surgical ICU at Buffalo General Medical Center. There is no word on what is ailing him. Let's hope for a speedy recovery.