NYHN Daily: Islanders Down Players, NHL Adjusts Policies & More

The New York Islanders will play their first hockey game in 10 days as they host the Buffalo Sabres at UBS Arena tonight. The Islanders will be without a handful of players due to COVID-19 and injuries. The NHL adopts the new CDC guidelines regarding asymptomatic isolation, but what does that mean for Islanders? Should the Islanders trade goaltender Semyon Varlamov?

These stories and more in today’s daily links!

Keeping it ON the Island

When the New York Islanders face the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, they will be missing some key players in their lineup due to injury and COVID-19. But the Islanders not being at full-strength and playing games regardless is something the Islanders are used to given circumstances over the last couple of seasons. (NYI Hockey Now)

After the CDC changed its recommended isolation guidelines for those who are asymptomatic, the NHL has followed suit per Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff. With the Islanders heading to Canada shortly, how does this U.S.-based guideline affect their players? (NYI Hockey Now)

It has not been the start to the season that goaltender Semyon Varlamov envisioned after he and his New York Islander teammates came up just short of a Stanley Cup Final appearance last postseason. With one year remaining on his contract, should the Islanders trade him this season? (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders are slated to play the Sabres Thursday night for their first game since Dec. 19. That is the plan as of Wednesday night but with the NHL and their COVID-19 woes, things can change rather quickly. (Newsday)

Around the National Hockey Now Boards

The Boston Bruins are as close to a full group on the ice as they’ve been in weeks as defenseman Brandon Carlo rejoined the team on the ice for Wednesday’s practice at Warrior Ice Arena. (Boston Hockey Now)

Pittsburgh Penguins winger Kasperi Kapanen was added to the COVID protocol bringing the number to seven, plus P.O. Joseph, a member of the Penguins Taxi Squad. Sam Lafferty was out with an illness. Evgeni Malkin tried a few one-on-one moves in battle drills, and Sidney Crosby walked defenseman Chad Ruhwedel in a mano-e-mano matchup.  More from practice here. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Those who did not understand the Florida Panthers fascination with Artemi Panarin in 2019 before he ultimately signed with the New York Rangers got a glimpse of why the Panthers tried so hard — and were willing to shell out so much — to get him. Panarin showed once more Wednesday night that he can take over a game. Only this time, the Panthers took it back. (Florida Hockey Now)

The last time the Washington Capitals took the ice at Capital One Arena was on Dec. 19 against the Los Angeles Kings. Despite the lengthy time away from the rink, there were some similarities from that game that seemed to linger on home ice. However, the result was different this time around. (Washington Hockey Now)

The New Year is coming and the Detroit Red Wings have showcased a lot of youth and talent this season. Here are five important Detroit Red Wings issues to follow after the COVID break is completed. (Detroit Hockey Now)

The Vegas Golden Knight’s newest toy in Jack Eichel is getting closer to returning. But in order for him to be activated, Vegas must shed some salary cap. Here are the five Golden Knights who could be dealt to make room for Eichel. (Vegas Hockey Now)

Nazem Kadri didn’t have a lot of company Wednesday at the Avalanche’s practice at a quiet Ball Arena. Following practice, he spoke about his brief battle with COVID-19 and there’s more on Bo Byram. (Colorado Hockey Now)

“Oh, they know, Sheng. Trust me. They know.” That’s what captain Logan Couture offered when asked how he was going to convey the message to his teammates that last night’s 8-7 San Jose Sharks’ shootout victory over the Arizona Coyotes was unacceptable hockey. (San Jose Hockey Now)

During one of Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving’s Zoom calls last week, he ended with the quip, “Stay positive, test negative.” At the time, amid the outbreak of Omicron among the players and staff, most were either asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms. That’s the positive. (Calgary Hockey Now)

It’s not about the coach, but then again it is. The Vancouver Canucks Bruce Boudreau can set a new NHL record for consecutive wins by a head coach starting his tenure with a hockey team. Wednesday night’s 2-1 overtime victory against the Anaheim Ducks ran his streak of victories to seven. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

League Business

We are just a few days away from the Winter Classic in Minnesota. While it will be a tremendous event, it will more than likely be the coldest Winter Classic in history, as the high is minus 3, with the low a minus 9. (NHL)

The NHL and the NHLPA have agreed to modify the COVID-19 regulations following the recent changes to CDC guidelines. Asymptomatic players can now leave isolation with a negative COVID-19 test, in U.S.-based cities. (NHL)