One more preseason competition to ignore.
Good morning, did anything cool happen last night? (Happy Alonso, to those who celebrate.)
The Islanders are back in action tonight to wrap up their preseason game schedule against the Smurfs. Opening rosters are not due until 5 p.m. on Monday, and then the team opens against Utah on Thursday, Oct. 10.
Which players hit waivers between now and then? (Samuel Bolduc? Oliver Wahlstrom?) And does Matt Martin get cut? Does Pierre Engvall escape the doghouse?
Islanders News
- Ilya Sorokin took another step in his post-surgery progression by joining the team’s practice for real. He was even allowed to speak to media, a generous allowance by Lou’s politboro. He said he feels good and will do everything he can to be ready for opening night. [Post | Isles | Newsday | NHL]
- Previewing tonight: Roy says Wahlstrom is having a good camp, and tonight he’ll try him with Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean. [Isles]
- Engvall is learning(?) again that a spot in the lineup is no guarantee. [Post]
- UBS Arena has added a restroom with a universal changing table, at the urging of some fans who are grateful to use it. [Isles]
- THEY’RE JUST LIKE US: Reese Witherspoon wears an Isles cap. [People]
Elsewhere
- The Devils will serve Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwiches. [ESPN]
- Tyson Barrie has turned his PTO into a one-year deal with the Flames. [NHL]
- The Amazon or whatever show captures Jeremy Swayman at the end of the playoffs last year, pondering whether it was his last game with the Bruins. People are making a meal of this, ignoring the fact that either he or Linus Ullmark was going to be shopped. [ESPN]
- Patrik Laine is upset about his knee injury but says it could’ve been much worse. [NHL]
- Former NHLers Paul MacLean, Hall of Famer Joe Mullen and Jim Nill all have fond memories of hockey in Salt Lake from their days in the CHL, playing in the minors for the Blues. [NHL]