Russell’s Roundup: Nelson Speculation Grows, Laughton Says Bye to Philly?

The New York Islanders snapped their four-game skid two nights ago in TD Garden against the Boston Bruins. The win came despite the Bruins outshooting the Islanders 39-20 and ultimately dictating play most of the night. Islanders’ head coach, Patrick Roy, felt it balanced out from recent games where the Islanders deserved a win but lost. As for Boston, it sunk their season even lower.

The Islanders are back in action this afternoon at 12:30 against Barry Trotz’s Nashville Predators. It’s the earliest start time of the season for the Islanders.

For the Islanders, the win ultimately might just be putting off the inevitable. The win took the 14th-placed Islanders and moved them to 14th place. They went from seven points outside a playoff spot to seven points outside a playoff spot. All that to say, the win ultimately achieved little in the way of the standings.

Meanwhile, the rumor world kicked up dust with the Brock Nelson situation and how it affects the others. The Trade Deadline is now just six days away. Decisions are coming, and they’re coming soon.

New York Islanders:

First, let’s talk about the actual game. Ilya Sorokin, coming off one of the worst starts of his career, played the role of a hero on Thursday. He made 38 saves and almost singlehandedly beat the Bruins in Boston.

Let’s catch up on the news of the last 48 hours, dominated by Brock Nelson chatter. All corners of the league seem beholden to his and Lou Lamoriello’s decision. It’s also sucking the oxygen out of the room for other potential trades. Read it here.

Now, we can get to the fun stuff. First, on TSN’s Insider Trade, Pierre LeBrun revealed the Islanders, in 14th place, are still trying to keep ahold of Brock Nelon. That would be a disaster. 

Before the game, we reviewed the returning Noah Dobson and Hudson Fasching. Both played well in their returns and it’s worth looking back at Fasching’s words from practice.

NHL Trade Talk, NHL News & National Hockey Now:

SDPN: Rumors, Get your rumors here! A new episode of the Chris Johnston Show dropped. CJ updated everyone on the plans of most NHL teams, including, of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman released his written 32 thoughts on Thursday night. There’s a tidbit on Nelson, but far more on every other team in the league. It’s spicy.

Boston Hockey Now: Entering Thursday’s game, the Bruins had even bigger issues. Trent Frederic suffered an injury and is now week-to-week. Here’s how it blows up Boston’s deadline plans.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Speculation is the name of the game right now. Across the river, one thing is certain. Tom Fitzgerald and the Devils are getting themselves a center, no questions asked.

Philly Hockey Now: Speaking of centers, Flyers center Scott Laughton won the internet on Friday. He posted his version of the Last Supper, with rumors he could be traded any minute now.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The basement-dwelling Penguins are in a rough place. Fans are clamoring for a tank, and their front office sure is making moves for that type of plan. Here’s what one player had to say about it.