The Islanders begin a brief two-game road trip in Winnipeg tonight. Sebastian Aho’s NHL debut will have to wait a couple of days. The fifth-round pick in this year’s draft was recalled Thursday to replace Johnny Boychuk, who is week-to-week. Boychuk hasn’t played more than 72 games in a season for the Islanders and that will not change this season.
Aho’s recall over Devon Toews was due to Toews being week-to-week in Bridgeport. Aho should be in Sunday against Colorado. Aho’s strength is his offensive game. He will likely QB the second power-play unit. He’s solid in the transition game and has a plus shot.
Ryan Pulock returns to the lineup after sitting Wednesday night against the Sabres. The Manitoba native gets to skate in front of his family tonight. He will likely be paired with Nick Leddy on the first pairing.
The goaltending situation seems to been stabilized as Jaroslav Halak has played well the last three games (2-0-1). Halak has stopped 35+ shots in each of the last three games. Halak has to be on his game tonight as the Jets have won nine of ten at home and averaged 4.5 goals per game over that span.
While Winnipeg has been a house of horrors for some, it’s been a home away from home for the Islanders as they are 7-0-1 since the Jets returned. Winnipeg was dealt a massive blow Wednesday as Mark Scheifele is out six-to-eight weeks with an upper-body injury.