Fantucchio’s Focus: Islanders Effort; The Current In California

Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Friday, October 6, and here’s what I’m focused on around the NHL today.

Islanders No-Show In Philadelphia:

The New York Islanders lost to the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center in a game where effort was surely missing from the lineup.

Islanders Fall 5-2 In Bad Effort Loss To Flyers

Who Joins Barzal and Horvat?

The Islanders have one last preseason game to determine who will skate on the left wing of Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, and they have several options to choose from.

Who Skates With Barzal And Horvat? Evaluting The Islanders’ Choices

Drysdale Reaches Agreement with Ducks:

The Anaheim Ducks reached an agreement with restricted free agent defenseman Jamie Drysdale on a new three-year contract worth a total of $6.9 million.

🚨 LET'S FLY, JD! 🚨

We've agreed to terms with Jamie Drysdale on a three-year contract extension.

DETAILS: https://t.co/hgixmSgLLF#FlyTogether | @EandELaw pic.twitter.com/MvZupu9MjZ

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) October 5, 2023

McLellan Earns Another Year In LA:

The Los Angeles Kings have extended their head coach Todd McLellan through the 2024-25 season, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Believe the extension for McLellan is one year. That would put him in-line with GM Rob Blake, to the end of the 2024-25 season. https://t.co/c3RpcF4jSB

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 6, 2023

In four seasons as the head coach in Los Angeles, McLellan has a combined record of 141-115-34.

Couture A Long Shot To Be Ready For Regular Season:

With the season opener only six days away, it appears unlikely that San Jose Sharks captain Logan Couture will be ready in time.

Couture ‘Longshot’ To Play Opening Night

More From National Hockey Now:

New Jersey: Devils chairman and governor David Blitzer has joined the NHL’s executive committee.

Carolina: ‘Canes chop roster down to 44.

Pittsburgh: Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan has an agenda set for his team’s preseason finale.

Florida: Who will make the final roster for the Panthers?

Detroit: Five reasons why the Red Wings could miss the playoffs.

Montreal: Canadiens nearing decision time for final roster spots.

Colorado: Ross Colton is ready to do it all for the Avs.

Chicago: Blackhawks prospects are pushing for final roster spots.

Nashville: Read up on the dark horse on the Predators’ backend.

Vegas: The season hasn’t even started yet, and the Golden Knights are already having injury issues.

Follow Andrew Fantucchio on Twitter: @A_Fantucchio

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