Rosner Wrap: The Winning Continues, Ovechkin vs. Ukrainian Canadian Congress

Good morning and happy Friday. The New York Islanders are winners of three straight heading into 2023 following their 2-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Here are your New York Islanders and NHL stories to know for today:

NYI HOCKEY NOW

The New York Islanders were not as dominant as they were their last two games but pushed their win streak to three games as they defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1. The Islanders are now back in a playoff spot and are 21-14-2 on the season: New York Islanders.

The New York Islanders have six players out injured as we sit here on this Thursday night. But the Islanders may be getting some injury relief as head coach Lane Lambert gave an update prior to puck drop between the Columbus Blue Jackets: New York Islanders.

Out of the six battered players, four were from questionable hits where there was very little to no retaliation at the moment of the injury or later in the game. No fines or suspensions were handed out by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety either. It begs the question. Are the New York Islanders being taken advantage of? New York Islanders

NATIONAL HOCKEY NOW

Washington Hockey Now: The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has made a request to the Canadian government to refuse Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin permission to travel to Canada to play hockey: Washington Capitals.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Ty Smith had never played a game in the minors when the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired him from New Jersey during the past offseason. He hasn’t made it into one in the NHL since. But will Letang’s tough break lead to Smith’s next NHL chance? Pittsburgh Penguins.

Philly Hockey Now: In their first game since returning from the holiday break, the Philadelphia Flyers did what they do best. And that’s being able to battle back to the end. Goaltender sam Ersson got his first NHL win:  Philadelphia Flyers.

Montreal Hockey Now: There are few better stories in the NHL at the moment than the ascension of the Hulk-like defender known as Arber Xhekaj: Montreal Canadiens.

Vegas Hockey Now: The best goal celebrations are the ones that come from the heart, and no other player in the NHL is better at this than Mark Stone: Vegas Golden Knights.

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks snatched defeat from the jaws of victory…again. Tomas Hertl, Erik Karlsson, Kaapo Kahkonen, and head coach David Quinn spoke after the Sharks’ devastating 4-3 OT loss to the Philadelphia Flyers: San Jose Sharks

Colorado Hockey Now: It turns out returning home isn’t always the automatic fix the Colorado Avalanche hope it can be. Despite a Herculean effort from Cale Makar, the Avalanche blew a two-goal lead in the third period and fell to the Los Angeles Kings 5-4 in a shootout: Colorado Avalanche.