New York Islanders
New York Islanders Have No New COVID Cases Ahead of Showdown with NYR
ELMONT, N.Y. — Who knew what the New York Islanders would be most thankful for at Thanksgiving dinner would be that they went a full day without any new positive COVID test results.
The team was able to at least take a little sigh of relief on Wednesday when they were able to announce that they did not have any new positive COVID tests ahead of their match with the New York Rangers. It was the first time since Friday, but the Islanders still made a callup in Otto Koivula.
When general manager Lou Lamoriello addressed the media at 5 p.m. the New York Islanders were still awaiting results of their pregame COVID tests. Lamoriello had not spoken with the league on Wednesday and Wednesday’s game was still on schedule to be played.
“I think the health and the wellbeing of your players is at the forefront and that’s what you’re most concerned about. We’ll just take it day by day, ” Lamoriello said.
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The decision of whether or not a team plays because of COVID issues falls on the league. Lamoriello said that the league was aware of the situation and that the Islanders were preparing for the game as planned.
With all of the callups, the Islanders have had to get creative with their salary cap situation. Ryan Pulock was moved from IR to LTIR to make room under the cap, Lamoriello revealed.
“We are certainly well in compliance despite all of the call ups and our non-roster status. From that perspective we have no issues,” Lamoriello said.
The impact has also impacted the Bridgeport Islanders, who have had to make a number of call-ups from ECHL Worcester to fill all of the spots left by the NHL moves. Forwards Paul Thompson and Collin Adams were recalled from the ECHL on Tuesday.