Islanders Gameday News: Hogberg starts again to kick off the homestand
You got this. | Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images
The Islanders have it all in front of them. Back from a good trip and feeling upbeat, the Islanders begin a long homestand against one of the teams they are theoretically chasing for a theoretical wild card spot.
The Ottawa Senators (7-2-1 in their last 10, maybe finally beginning their long-awaited resurrection), are 21-18-3 and one point behind the second wild card spot. The Isles are four points back of Ottawa — oh and also with five other teams between here and there.
So...yeah.
Anyway, Marcus Hogberg will start again, against his old team, so that’s something human-interesty to watch for. Also, Isaiah George is a gametime decision.
Leave First Islanders Goal picks here.
Islanders News
Speaking of Hogberg, a touching piece on why he went back to Sweden: His dad’s fatal brain tumor and COVID prompted him to spend some time closer to family. [THN]
Game preview and pre-excusing: “When we’re coming from a long trip from the west, it’s always the first game back that’s the toughest one.” [Isles]
George skated yesterday, and Grant Hutton — who had about 5 minutes of ice time during his last emergency appearance — was returned to Bridgeport. [Isles]
Finally getting three wins in a row, the Islanders are hoping... aww hell, that’s all you need to know. [Newsday]
Islanders Anxiety: Dan and Mike process the surprising trip, the rubber chicken and the stakes for this homestand. [LHH]
Prospect Report: Gold medalists Danny Nelson and Cole Eiserman return from the WJC and keep putting up NCAA points. [Isles]
Elsewhere
There are 13 games Tuesday but only 3 happened Monday, including the Flyers beating Florida in regulation. Oh no, our wild card chances!
4 Nations [NHL]: Despite his nagging injury, Auston Matthews is on track to play. Meanwhile for Canada, Jordan Binnington is asked about taking over a high-pressure crease.
Tough century: Roman Cechmanek is the Flyers’ top goalie of the quarter century. They eventually ejected him like they do all their goalies. [NHL]
Doing an in-depth piece on why Ryan Reaves hasn’t had a single fight this season is silly, but it did yield this great quote from Craig Berube: “I mean, he is what he is.” [Sportsnet]
Here’s Craig Button’s list of top prospects we will never get. [TSN]
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