The Islanders ship up to Boston tomorrow to take on the Bruins in a matinee matchup. The Isles sleepwalk at times in afternoon games so I’m interested to see how they perform against a team that has had their number recently. Tomorrow’s game is an important one and points will certainly be at a premium. While the Isles hit the wall in the third period against Toronto they still managed to get a point. Hopefully a rested roster will put forth a more consistent effort in Beantown.
Calvin de Haan practiced with the team today but there is still no word if he is ready to return to the lineup. Once he does, one would assume he would replace Brian Strait but you never know with this team. The blue line has been producing points and scoring chances as of late and this production is much needed as the top nine forwards’ production continue to be streaky.
Nick Leddy has been on fire since the All-Star break racking up 18 points in 18 games. More than just the points when the Isles blue line is producing they are possessing and controlling the puck and it has been far more noticeable in the past few weeks.
In this edition of the Isles Buzz podcast we reach into the mailbag and answer your questions. We also talk a little about the injury to Jaro Halak and we are joined by Tim Pigulski. Tim works for 710 ESPN Radio Seattle covering the Seattle Thunderbirds. He gives a great scouting report on Islanders 2015 First Round Pick Mathew Barzal.