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The New York Islanders return from a "spring break" to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena. The Isles will be rested after having almost four days off since their win against the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, while the Jackets have been red hot of late, giving the Islanders a tough challenge in Ohio tonight.
Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight and forward Eric Boulton will play in place of Tyler Kennedy.
I went back and watched some of the last meeting between these two teams and the Blue Jackets were very chippy once they trailed and their were numerous marginal hits on the likes of John Tavares and Ryan Strome. While I like Boulton and I feel he does a nice job in his role, I don't think tonight will be fight night and I would rather see Michael Grabner or Colin McDonald in. I understand Islanders coach Jack Capuano's thinking, I just don't agree with it.
Where I don't understand the coaching staff is their handling of Calvin de Haan.
It is like de Haan had been exiled. Once again he will sit tonight and the likes of Thomas Hickey and Brian Strait will see too much ice time. I am the first to tell you that de Haan's play has been poor of late but enough is enough. This reminds me of last year when Brock Nelson was routinely scratched. I just think when their is this much on the line, you field your best lineup and with de Haan in the press box, the Isles are not doing that.
New York is in a dog race for the two seed in the Metro Division and they are in dire need of points tonight. The Flyers did the Isles a favor by defeating the Penguins last night and this is a chance for the Islanders to gain a foothold for home ice in the first round of the playoffs.