The Islanders return to Coliseum ice tonight after two days off to take on the Calgary Flames. With the way the schedule has been lately two days off must feel like three weeks for you and me. Jaroslav Halak will be back in goal tonight after Chad Johnson defeated the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday. The Islanders will look to build off an amazing third period Thursday and with two points tonight, will regain the top spot in the Metro Division.
The lineup itself will remain the same s Casey Cizikas is not ready to return to the lineup. Despite, all the line shuffling during Tuesday’s win the lines are back to normal for tonight. It will be interesting to see if Islander Head Coach Jack Capuano remains with his set lines or if another slow start would trigger wholesale changes.
With the trade deadline upon us on Monday it has been all quiet on the rumor front. I do not expect the Islanders to be big players on Monday. I do think if they make any move it will be for a bottom pairing defenseman. I could also see Matt Donovan being moved for a pick or a prospect if another dman is acquired. If the Isles do bring in another blue liner, I would also see if there was any interest on Lubomir Visnovsky as it appears that the Isles will not extend him through this season. One of either Donovan or Visnovsky could be moved if another defenseman is brought in.
I think with the recent play of Chad Johnson, the team will not be actively looking for a backup NHL goalie. Perhaps they acquire a veteran minor league goaltender as neither Sound Tiger goalies provide me with any level of comfort should something happen to Halak or Johnson. With the injuries of Kyle Okposo and Mikhail Grabovski it is possible but not likely that the Islanders will be in the market for a forward. If the team feels it can upgrade their lineup without blowing up the bank you may see someone brought in who is an upgrade over the likes of Colin McDonald.
I think the biggest factor on any moves made by the Islanders will be the return that teams are looking for. Right now the market price is very high and Garth Snow will now toss away prospects for rentals. I do think we will see one, maybe two moves on Monday but I don’t think there will be any big time deals. Those deals occurred before the season when Garth Snow acquired Johnny Boychuk and Nick Leddy.
I can totally be wrong, but there has not been a sound out of Long Island right now and I haven’t heard anything from other teams at all. There was plenty of noise about Nick Leddy and Johnny Boychuk although never in my wildest dreams did I think Garth Snow would land both. Right now there is nothing amidst the trade winds that leads me to believe that Monday will be a big day for the Islanders. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.