The Islanders return from the all-star break tonight as they will take on the Rangers at the Coliseum. Despite the weather and despite Suffolk county getting slammed with snow, the game will be played as schedule as both teams and the referees are there. I expect Nassau County to be able to get to the game but with Eastern Long Island getting pummeled I’m not sure what to expect with the attendance tonight. I also don’t know how many Ranger fans will be in the building tonight but if you are there make yourself heard.
The Isles do have to overcome the loss of Kyle Okposo as he will be on the injured reserves for the next six to eight weeks. The Islanders also placed Eric Boulton on injured reserves. I’m not quite sure how he was injured but one has to assume that the injury occurred in practice. The islanders do have a roster spot available and I would expect a forward to be called up from Bridgeport later in the week.
Mikhail Grabovski returns to the lineup tonight and he will take Okposo’s spot on the top line. Grabovski has not been the same player since being concussed in the Sharks game early in the season. Here is his chance to really step up and I do think he can be productive on the top line playing with John Tavares and Josh Bailey. If Grabo does not work out I expect that Ryan Strome or Brock Nelson could get a look on the top line as well. While Nelson isn’t racking up points, his line has played extremely well and he is +6 in his last six games.
Lubomir Visnovsky is practicing with the Isles but he has not returned to the lineup. I have been told that barring any setbacks he will be back soon. Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight as both Halak and Tavares return from the pond hockey game that was the NHL All-Star Game. Thankfully Halak didn’t have to do any heavy lifting.
The Islanders enter tonight’s game in first place in the Metro Division with a three point lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Rangers sit in third place, five points back of the Islanders and have played two less games. Games in hand are only important if you actually win them. After a week off it will be interesting to see if the Isles come out rusty or flying on all cylinders.
This is why they need you fans tonight. If you are going to the game please be careful and take plenty of time. But once you are there make some noise and make that barn rock at the opening puck drop. As always for more on all things hockey please follow me on twitter at @DanDanNoodles78.