The Islanders return to the ice tonight in Newark as they are set to take on the Devils. After a 2-2 Western Canadian swing, the Isles need to bounce back and grab two point tonight. There are a few lineup changes tonight that will surly spark debate, but one constant is in net as Jaroslav Halak will be tending the goal yet again. One would have to think that Chad Johnson would get the start tomorrow versus Columbus as they have to be able to win games that Halak doesn’t start. But that is a debate for tomorrow.
Cal Clutterbuck is day-to-day and taking his place in the lineup will be Josh Bailey. Mikhail Grabovski provided a much needed spark to the first line in the third period against the Canucks. He will get a shot tonight to stick on the top line alongside John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. Frans Nielsen will remain on the second line centering Anders Lee and Ryan Strome. The third line will be interesting to watch tonight as Brock Nelson will be lined up with Michael Grabner and Nikolay Kulemin. Finally Josh Bailey will join Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas on the fourth line.
Finally, and perhaps I’m burying the lead for some of you, but Brian Strait will replace Matt Donovan in the lineup tonight. While I agree that Strait is not the best option, Donovan really struggled as he was minus three against the Canucks. I do not think Donovan’s play in his last game merited him being in the lineup tonight.
There has been much debate as to calling someone up from Bridgeport to play in place of an injured Lubomir Visnovsky. If Vis’s injury is short term I do not think they will call anyone up. The bigger issue is the play of the defenseman in Bridgeport. In my opinion, Scotty Mayfield and Kevin Czuczman play has not been strong enough that I feel either merit a call up. Griffin Reinhart and Ryan Pulock would both be solid options for a look with the big club but they are injured. The dman having the best season in Bridgeport right now is probably Aaron Ness. I don’t know if adding Ness into the Islanders lineup is an upgrade to what they already have. One way to overcome a thin defense is to control the play and possess the puck. If the Islanders can play more in the Devils end it can cover up for some potential shortcomings to the defensive core. The Isles have shown an ability to bounce back all season and tonight would be a great time to get back in the win column.