The Islanders open the regular season vs the Stanley Cup champions Chicago Blackhawks on Friday. Who is between the pipes that night is anyone's guest at the moment. Jaroslav Halak returned to practice on Thursday but left midway through with an upper body injury. Head Coach Jack Capuano is unsure if Halak will be ready for the opener.
Halak has played a total of 40 minutes this offseason, the first two periods on September 21st. He hadn't practice since then before returning for a short stint on Thursday. Newsday's Arthur Staple reports that Halak will travel with the team to Washington Sunday and hopefully practice with the team in Annapolis on Tuesday.
Next to John Tavares, Jaroslav Halak is the most irreplaceable player on the Islanders. He carried the team in the first half of last season. If Halak cannot go at the start of the season. Newly acquired Thomas Greiss will get the nod. Greiss has never played more than 25 games in a season. The chances of rookie Stephon Williams making his NHL debut this weekend will certainly increase if Halak cannot go. The Islanders have a back-to-back vs the Blackhawks on Friday and Saturday. Halak would not have played in both games. The Isles opened up last season with a back-to-back vs the Carolina Hurricanes. Halak got the opener while Chad Johnson was between the pipes for the back half. The 22-year-old Williams made his professional debut with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers last season following his collegiate career at Minnesota State - Mankato. Williams played 5 games with the Sound Tigers.
The Isles are extremely high on Williams. They waived Kevin Poulin when they could have sent Williams back to Bridgeport. However they will be in trouble if Halak is out for a extended period of time.