NYHN Daily: Aho Back at Practice, Islanders Power Play Sparking Offense & More

The New York Islanders will not be practicing on Thursday, after having practiced three days in a row. On Wednesday, the Islanders welcomed back Sebastian Aho, the last remaining player in COVID-19 protocol, back on the ice. The Islanders offense ranks last in the NHL in goals, but the power play has sparked the offense as of late. 

These stories and more in today’s daily link! 

Keeping it on the Island

The New York Islanders have gone through COVID-19 hell this season. But on Wednesday, the last Islander remaining in COVID-19 protocol in Sebastian Aho skated with the team at practice. (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders offense currently sits in dead last in the NHL with 64 goals. While there is a caveat to that, with only 28 games being played, the Islanders’ power play has helped spark the offense. (Newsday)

Around the National Hockey Now Boards

Late Wednesday afternoon, another report surfaced that Tuukka Rask will sign a professional tryout with the AHL affiliate for the Boston Bruins, the Providence Bruins. “Bruins will be the team,” Rasks’s agent Markus Lehto said. (Boston Hockey Now)

Another clunker by Pittsburgh Penguins backup goalie Casey DeSmith immediately raised eyebrows. As fans piled on via Twitter and comment sections with the ferocity of the zombies of World War Z, the Penguins 5-3 comeback win over the St. Louis Blues Wednesday night at PPG Paints Arena erased the pangs of points lost in a good effort. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Amid a league-ride COVID-19 outbreak and spikes in Omicron cases across the globe, the NHL will not be sending players to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. However, a number of familiar faces could still be competing, especially when it comes to the Washington Capitals. (Washington Hockey Now)

The Florida Panthers announced Wednesday that rookie goalie Spencer Knight has entered the Covid protocol and will not be available for Thursday’s game against the Dallas Stars. The Panthers currently have three players — Knight, Sam Reinhart and Mason Marchment — in protocol. (Florida Hockey Now)

Sometimes you need a child’s perspective to remember how much fun being a fan should be. A young Detroit Red Wings fan became tickled to be featured multiple times on the Jumbotron wearing a Red Wings jersey. (Detroit Hockey Now)

If Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price were to waive his no-movement clause again, as he did for the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft, who would be the leading NHL trade suitors to acquire Price? (Montreal Hockey Now)

Thursday night the Vegas Golden Knights will take on the New York Rangers at T-Mobile Arena at 7:00 pm. Former Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves is set to return to Las Vegas for the first time since being traded from the Golden Knights to the Rangers this past offseason. (Vegas Hockey Now)

Adrian Dater said it last night, that the Cale Makar OT winner in Chicago last night was the best goal he’s seen in his 26 1/2 years of covering this good old hockey team, the Colorado Avalanche. And then he thought, later in the night: “Oh yeah, there were some other pretty good ones scored by some pretty special players over the years…” and wondered where Makar’s goal fits in. (Colorado Hockey Now)

Erik Karlsson is questionable for tonight’s tilt against the Buffalo Sabres after suffering an upper-body injury in the 6-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Jake Middleton, Karlsson’s defensive partner, also suffered an upper-body injury. (San Jose Hockey Now)

Now that they’re apparently back in the country, have Brock Boeser and Phil Di Giuseppe cleared the necessary governmental hurdles? Justin Dowling hit the list on December 30th. What’s his status? When and where is Jason Dickinson; he joined the protocol list a little later, just five days ago. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

Calgary Flames winger Blake Coleman has seen the videos of fellow former teammates receiving their reward upon their return to the scene of the celebration. On Thursday morning, it’s his turn to receive his Stanley Cup ring. (Calgary Hockey Now)