The New York Islanders get John Tavares back in the lineup tonight after missing the last three games with flu-like symptoms. The Isles were tight-lipped about what was ailing the Captain. Speculation went from Mono to Scarlett Fever to effects of being bit by a walker. The offense has been a bit of the walking dead in the past few games.
The team scored five goals in JT's absence, which went 1-1-1. All of the top nine forwards with the exception of Frans Nielsen have been struggling. Kyle Okposo has been inconsistent once again. The fourth line bailed the Isles out in Tuesday's win vs the Devils. It was only their second win in a very winnable 5-game stretch, which they only secured six of a possible ten points. In a league where points are at a premium, it is tough to give away points.
The Islanders get somewhat of a break tonight when they face the 11-2-1 Montreal Canadiens. Reigning Hart and Vezina trophy winner Carey Price is out. Price picked up from last year starting 7-2-0, a 2.01 GAA and .936 save pct. His backup, Mike Condon, started his career winning his first four starts. In his five games, Condon is 4-0-1, 1.60 GAA and .941 save pct.
Jaroslav Halak will be in net tonight to face his former team. Halak has been great this year. He is 4-1-1, 1.65 GAA, .936 save pct. and 2 shutouts. Jean-Francois Berube will back up Halak tonight. There is nothing wrong with Thomas Greiss. Berube is from Quebec and Jack Capuano is doing a nice thing letting his family and friends see the goalie in warmups.
Some bad news coming out of Bridgeport today as forward Kirill Petrov will be out a month with a broken foot. Dan and I were at the game yesterday vs the Hershey Bears and didn't see the play where it happened. Petrov was still getting used to the North American game and hasn't stood out yet. The Russian has a goal and 4 assists in 12 games.