Islanders Gameday: Mike Reilly returns vs. Panthers
Welcome back. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images
The defenseman takes a bit step in his comeback. The Islanders host the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Sunday night, but the big news is a return for a guy who has been through some health scares.
Mike Reilly, the defenseman who last played on Nov. 1 when he took a hit to the head, only to discover a heart condition upon further examination, will be in the lineup.
Adam Pelech will be out, making room for Reilly.
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Reilly’s appearance as ready to go was a pleasant shock for teammates:
“It’s almost like they couldn’t believe it, some guys didn’t know until I got on the ice,” Reilly said with a smile when asked about the team’s reaction. “I’m obviously excited. In the past couple of months, I was at the rink almost every day even when the team was on the road. The last two weeks it was special to be back with the guys.”
It’s great to see, and it’s one of those happy stories that sprinkle some fun into the late season chapter where the Islanders’ outside wild card chances are descending further and further each day....
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