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Notebook: Trotz Talk, Johnston’s Bond with Martin, Iskhakov’s Strong Start & More

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New York Islanders, Ruslan Iskhakov
University of Connecticut forward Ruslan Iskhakov (Photo-via U Conn's Men Hockey Twitter)

The New York Islanders carry a three-game winning streak into their contest against the Chicago Blackhawks, a team that has lost three straight. The game will not start at 8:30 PM ET, as the Blackhawks are hosting their Native American Heritage Night and will have a pregame ceremony.

The New York Islanders skated Tuesday morning, and although the New York Islanders are riding high right now, there is one lineup change as Matt Martin is home with his wife Sydney, awaiting the birth of their second child. Ross Johnston slots in on the fourth line, for his second start of the season.

Here’s a story about Johnston coming back in and his special bond with Martin.

Johnston Back in the Lineup, His Special Relationship with Martin

On Monday, former New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz joined the Bob McCown Podcast along with John Shannon to discuss his mindset about returning to the NHL. Trotz has been dealing with personal things and said that until he finishes that up, he still does not have the itch yet to return. But the itch is coming. Trotz also discusses the New York Islanders as he chats about their comeback win against the Colorado Avalanche, his relationship with general manager Lou Lamoriello, and what makes Josh Bailey a special player as he hit career-game no. 1,000 last week.

Trotz Speaks on Current Mindset, Islanders Comeback Win, Lamoriello and Bailey

The Bridgeport Islanders, who won yet again on Tuesday (via a shootout) are now 6-1-1 to start the young season. Bridgeport head coach Brent Thompson earned his 300th career AHL win, as he is also the longest-tenured AHL coach at 10 seasons. His forward Ruslan Iskhakov was named AHL Player of the Month, as threw seven games this season, the Russian and former UConn forward has four goals and seven assists.

Back in May, Iskhakov signed his entry-level contract with the New York Islanders. He spent last season in the DEL, the top league in Germany, where he notched 10 goals and 28 assists in 54 games. He seems to be fitting in quite nicely with Bridgeport. Here’s our story about Iskhakov when he signed his ELC.

Ruslan Iskhakov Signs Entry-Level Contract

On Monday, after practice, I asked New York Islanders head coach Lane Lambert why he believed his team could play a more aggressive game. He said he had confidence from the start and that he knew the group since 2018. He knew the skill was there. I then went and talked to a handful of players, from each position, to get their take about the uptick in offense.

Lambert, Islanders Believed in Offense: ‘I Know The Talent That’s In Here’

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