Islanders Stumble into Boston: Fasching Eager to Play, Dobson Activated

The New York Islanders traveled north to take on the Boston Bruins tonight in TD Garden. They welcome Noah Dobson and Hudson Fasching back into the lineup tonight. The Islanders, losers of four straight, find themselves at the point of no return on Thursday.

During practice yesterday, head coach Patrick Roy ripped into his players, who confirmed that it was about their attitude and effort during practice. After practice, Roy said he wants his team to show some swagger, even if they’re terrified inside.

The Bruins most recently lost a humiliating 5-4 OT decision against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night. The Bruins blew a 3-0 lead and then a 4-3 lead with under a minute left to go in the third period. Prior to that, their general manager, Don Sweeney, announced to the world that this was a lost season.

It will be a matchup between two incredibly frustrated and angry teams. Both desperately trying to save their seasons.

If the Islanders lose this game, they will drop below NHL .500 and find themselves as far as nine points outside the playoff line. A win may prolong the inevitable.

Islanders Activate Dobson, Fasching Returns:

As mentioned above, the Islanders formally activated Noah Dobson off of long-term injured reserve, and he will play tonight. The corresponding move is the Islanders moved Mathew Barzal to LTIR.

Dobson skates alongside Ryan Pulock, who plays on his off-side tonight. Pulock went -4 in the last game, and his defensive partner, Scott Perunovich, is a healthy scratch. Scott Mayfield remains scratched.

For the forwards, Hudson Fasching has played in his first game since January 5, and he has also played in Boston. Fasching, 29, has played in 19 games this season. He’s recorded 0 points while going -6. After suffering his injury in Boston, Marc Gatcomb replaced him and passed him on the depth chart.

Fasching suffered three separate injuries at different points this season, severely affecting his efficiency as a player. Pierre Engvall will once again be healthy scratched.

Fasching Speaks with NYIHN:

After practice yesterday, Fasching spoke with me about his season and his eagerness to return to the lineup. Before we get to the interview, I just want to point out how excited and happy Fasching was to play. He had a huge smile on his face and is teeming with energy. I’m excited to see how he looks tonight.

Interview Lightly Edited for Clarity

Q- What’s your initial reaction to returning to the lineup?

A- I’m excited to be back in. I think I can help the team. I’ve got a lot of energy ready to go, so I think that’s kind of all it is. Obviously, a little bit of retribution to be able to go back to Boston. I got hurt there, but now I feel really healthy and have good legs, so I’m just trying to do everything I can to help the team.

Q- I imagine this year has been, for you personally, just not ideal with the injuries. How have you kind of handled that?

A- It’s been a year of injuries, unfortunately, for me. [First the] offseason injury, wasn’t 100% at camp, then I got hurt in the first preseason game, and then to get hurt again. I’ve never been hurt this much. It’s definitely frustrating, but there’s nothing you can really do about it. I think that’s the thing with all the injuries, their contact injuries, you can’t do anything to prevent them. From a mindset perspective, it’s kind of controlling you can control. I can’t control that I got hit in the boards and got hurt, whatever and just try to do everything I can for the rehab and try to work on my game. I utilize the time that I’m not in to work on things and to make sure that I’m in the best shape I can be.