Daily Links
NYHN Daily: Islanders Defensive Shuffle, Tandem Ready & More
The New York Islanders are back in action after a five-game hiatus as they face the Nashville Predators at 1:30 ET. Since shuffling the defense, the Islanders have looked a bit better. Varlamov is healthy and ready to go, whenever his name is called.
These stories and more in today’s daily links!
The New York Islanders slow start this season was due in large part to their uncharacteristic sloppy play and surprising struggles in the defensive zone. But since head coach Barry Trotz shuffled his backend, the Islanders have turned things around. (NYI Hockey Now)
The Islanders entered their five-day mini vacation on a four-game point streak. As they get set for their matchup against the Nashville Predators, they are well-rested. (Newsday)
The Islanders officially have their goaltending tandem back. Semyon Varlamov is back after a stint on IR and seems to be in great shape as he waits for his chance to get back in between the pipes. (The Athletic)
Jack Edwards and Andy Brinkley, NESN’s play by play tandem for the Boston Bruins, are not traveling to road games. They are calling games from the studio, against their well wishes. Frustration is the main feeling. (Boston Hockey Now)
The Pittsburgh Penguins may get some important pieces back for their meeting against the New Jersey Devils today. Signs are pointing to Sidney Crosby and Jeff Carter retuning, as both were upgraded to “game-time decision”. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
The Florida Panthers are now 8-0-0 out of the gate as they defeated the Detroit Red Wings in overtime. Captain Sasha Barkov scored twice, including the game winner. (Florida Hockey Now)
The Washington Capitals beat the Arizona Coyotes by a score of 2-0 on Friday. John Carlson and Alex Ovechkin light the lamp, while netminder Ilya Samsonov shut the door. Here are the takeaways. (Washington Hockey Now)
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed defenceman Morgan Rielly to an eight-year, $60 million contract extension, the team announced Friday. (Toronto Hockey Now)
The Detroit Red Wings showed grit in their overtime loss to the Florida Panthers. For the second consecutive game, Detroit erased a two-goal deficit. (Detroit Hockey Now)
The Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Anaheim Ducks 5-4 via the shootout. Vegas blew a 4-1 third period lead to win their third straight contest and to get their record to 4-4-0. (Vegas Hockey Now)
Defenseman Jacob MacDonald didn’t look out of place when assigned to forward for Jared Bednar and the Colorado Avalanche. Bednar, during his time in the ECHL, was asked to play on both sides of the puck and commented on the mindset needed. (Colorado Hockey Now)
Despite San Jose losing 4-0 to Montreal on Thursday, William Eklund and Erik Karlsson played well. But the team as a whole has scored one goal over their last two games after a rather strong start to their season. (San Jose Hockey Now)
The Vancouver Canucks enter Saturday’s matchup agains the Edmonton Oilers win-less over their last two games to start their seven-game homestand. Jack Dickinson is close to returning. (Vancouver Hockey Now)
The Calgary Flames are coming off a successful road trip where they went 5-0-0 and never trailed once. They are the third team in NHL history to accomplish that feat. (Calgary Hockey Now)
In wake of the news about Brad Aldrich and his alleged sexual assault of Kyle Beach during their time in Chicago, the Hockey Hall of Fame will be removing his name from the Stanley Cup. (NHL)
Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff will not be disciplined by the NHL following his meeting with commissioner Gary Bettman on his role in the Blackhawks sexual assault case. (NHL)