Islanders Gameday News: In the hole, with Lightning poised to strike again
I’m sure this will all be fine. | Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images
April begins with the Islanders reeling. It’s April Fool’s and the Islanders have another date with the Lightning. Tampa is chasing something they can actually attain, the first spot in the Atlantic Division, so they should continue to bring real play.
The Islanders are chasing something they were never very likely to attain, and another challenging opponent could shove them further back in the sad wild card-chasing pack. They’re winless in five, including three consecutive regulation losses. So it’s been eight days since they added a standings point.
Trailing the Canadiens by three points with nine games to go, no Monday games affected their standing either way. But tonight’s schedule includes the Red Wings (visiting the Blues) and the Blue Jackets (hosting the Predators). Still, even if those go their way, an Islanders win tonight (lol) would not move them into wild card position.
First Islanders Goal picks for tonight go here.
Islanders News
“I had a feeling they had at least one more losing streak in them.” Dan and Mike digest the last week on the Islanders Anxiety podcast. [LHH]
The Isles signed another NCAA free agent, right-handed forward Joey Larson out of Michigan State. He’s 24, so this is a one-year ELC for next season. [LHH | Isles]
Prospect Report: Cole Eiserman heads to the Frozen Four, Jesse Pulkkinen heads to...Bridgeport. [Isles]
The Islanders missing the playoffs cannot be blamed on the goaltending. [Newsday]
Nevermind, the goaltending is totally to blame. [Post]
Pierre Engvall “carrying” the offense is a stretch. [Post]
Hey, I know we can be a credible publication! Let’s stalk the Isles’ wives social media to go all TMZ on a bachelorette party. [Post]
Elsewhere
Last night’s schedule included four games.
Hobey Baker candidate Ryan Leonard has left college to sign his ELC with the Capitals and is expected to get his debut tonight. [NHL]
Fellow NCAA signing Jimmy Snuggerud is expected to make his debut with the Blues, even though they’re in a nine-game win streak. [NHL]
Six theories on why penalties are down across the NHL. [ESPN]
The NHL has reportedly reached a 12-year, $7.7 billion rights deal in Canada with Rogers. [AP]
Looking at wild card odds. (Pssst: The Isles’ are not good.) [Sportsnet]
Nikko Makkela was fined for firing a temper-tantrum slapshot at the Canadiens after the buzzer. Don’t do that, man, that is the path to becoming D*le H*nter. [Sportsnet]
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