The Islanders return from the Christmas break to face the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Barclays Center tonight. The first of a home and home. They'll be without their number one goalie.
Jaroslav Halak was placed on IR retroactive to December 21st with an upper-body injury. Halak played their last game Monday night, a 5-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Thomas Greiss will start.
Christopher Gibson was recalled from Bridgeport. Gibson has played well in Brideport. He has an 11-5-3 record and a .928 save percentage with the Sound Tigers. Gibson was acquired from the Maple Leafs in the Michael Grabner trade.
The Isles will see Grabner for the first time since the September trade. The former Isle has been hot lately scoring 3 goals in his last 4 games after scoring just a goal in his first 27 games. I would expect a breakaway attempt or two tonight.
Last year Halak being out would have been a cause for concern but Thomas Greiss has a been revelation. Greiss is 9-4-2 with a 2.03 GAA and .933 save pct.
Kyle Okposo, who missed the last two games, returned to practice yesterday and will play tonight.