The Islanders’ have returned home from their Western Canadian road trip to square off with the San Jose Sharks tonight at 7pm at Nassau Veteran’s Memorial Coliseum. The rash of injuries and lineup changes continue with the team as Michael Grabner is day to day with a concussion. His roster spot was replaced by Sound Tigers forward Johan Sundstrom.
Sundstrom was a 2011 second round pick when the Islanders took him 50th overall. In his rookie season last year with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers; Sundstrom had 11 goals and 21 assists which was good for 32 points in 59 games. This season in 38 games with the Sound Tigers; Sundstrom has battled through some injuries and has missed some time. However since returning he has really started to pick up his play and has 7 goals and 10 assists through 38 games. I would call Sundstrom a jack-of-all trades but a master of none. He does everything well but nothing exceptional. Good skater, strong on the puck, has some offensive ability and is sound defensively. Sundstrom will debut tonight playing right wing on the fourth line with Mike Halmo and Casey Cizikas.
Also this week the Islanders signed college defenseman Kevin Czuczman. The big hulking dman was a standout at lake Superior State and chose the Islanders over numerous other offers because of his relationship with John Tavares and Ryan Strome. At this point it’s an open casting call for next year’s roster and I’m willing to give anyone an audition. I would expect a few more practices for the rookie are in order but he will be in the lineup soon as the Islanders want to see what they have with Czuczman.
The Islanders will have their hands full tonight against one of the league’s best in this San Jose squad. This will be a great test for the kids to see how they fare against one of the NHL’s premier team. Evgeni Nabokov will get the start tonight but with the Islanders playing again tomorrow I would expect that we will see both keepers this weekend.
Finally I need the help and support of the Hockey Buzz family. I had mentioned before that I would be running and online auction. Well this hockey only auction is up and running. I am raising money to help my friend Lisa Berlinski who will be running in the 2014 Boston Marathon in support of the Boston Bruins Foundation. There are auction items from such hockey legends as Mike Bossy, Martin Brodeur, Guy Lefleur and much more. Please follow this link below to bid on some amazing hockey prizes or make a donation to this great cause. I appreciate the support of the hockey community and I really need your help for this great cause.
http://www.32auctions.com/berlinski