The Islanders return to play tonight in Ottawa as they take on the Senators at 7:30. With the first major storm of the winter getting ready to invade the Northeast, tomorrow’s game may be in question. Will the Isles be able to get home tonight? Will the MTA shut down train service? Well before we get to tomorrow we should probably worry about tonight.
As for the game tonight, Travis Hamonic returns to the lineup after missing four games due to a foot injury suffered against the Capitals. Scotty Mayfield will return to the press box because it seems that Marek Zidlicky and Brian Strait HAVE to be in the lineup at the same time. It honestly blows my mind. I simply do not understand the love affair that the organization has with a defenseman past his prime and one who should be in the American Hockey League. I probably should stop harping on this but when something is so maddening I simply cannot help myself.
Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight, as he will face a Senators team that is reeling. Ottawa found themselves down 5-0 after ten minutes last night in a 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils. The Senators have surrendered a staggering 23 goals in their last 5 games.
There is still no word on what is wrong with Adam Pelech. Obviously this is serious but it may not be an injury and it appears that it could be more of a medical issue. Hopefully he is able to make a full recovery and we see him fighting for a roster spot next fall.
Johnny Boychuk has returned to practice and hopefully we see the anchor of the Isles’ blue line after the all-star break. The lull in the Isles schedule has helped their injured players get healthy. Hopefully post all-break, the blue line will be back to normal.