A little clarity on Duclair’s timeline, while the Isles continue to adjust lines in his absence.
The Islanders begin an interesting back-to-back tonight in Newark as they meet the Devils, who are winless in three and have given up 19 goals over that span, while the Isles have been shut out twice in the last three games.
The Devils (5-4-1, with a Czechia head start) should be good this year and probably will be, but thus far their goalie solutions Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen — Jake and the Jacob Man, if you will — have had their share of blowups. They’re coming off a loss to those pesky Red Wings with Markstrom in goal, so figure Allen for the start tonight.
New Jersey does now have Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce back from early/pre-season injuries, so that should make a difference.
First Islanders Goal picks go here.
Islanders News
- We have a little more clarity on Anthony Duclair’s status, possibly better than feared: the team announced an estimate of 4-6 weeks. That’s maybe good news, although lack of details and prior history means don’t pencil him into your early December fantasy lineup just yet. If it’s a soft tissue/muscle injury (not that they’ll say!), I’m placing my bet it’ll still be “day to day, skating in practice” in week 6. [NHL | Newsday]
- Previewing tonight. [Isles]
- We’ve got a line change! Oliver Wahlstrom moves to the spot next to J-G Pageau and Anders Lee, while Casey Cizikas returns to the fourth line with Kyle MacLean and Liam Foudy. [Post]
- Why Roy has Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat on separate power play units. It’s all about the one-timers, Dude. [Post]
Elsewhere
Last night’s scores include the Sharks’ eighth loss in a row, the Jets remaining undefeated, and the Flames receiving their first regulation loss. Also the Smurfs sucked and lost at MSG to the Panthers, the Isles’ Saturday opponent.
Craig Berube’s match against the team that fired him last season ended in a home-ice loss for the Leafs, and yet more production from Oilers escapees Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. [NHL]
The Avalanche, who the Isles hammered, are cruising to 4th straight, beating the Utah Haberdashery Collectors, who beat the Isles. Because hockey’s always like that. [NHL]
Matt Rempe has been sent to the AHL, destroying the hearts of so many educated fans. [Post]