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NYHN Daily: Islanders Return Raty to Finland, UBS Arena Update & More
The New York Islanders have one more day before they hit the ice for their third preseason game, which will take place at Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The Islanders have returned prospect Aatu Raty to Finland after a successful training camp for the 19-year old.
This story and more in today’s daily links!
New York Islanders prospect Aatu Raty was not present at training camp on Thursday. Head coach Barry Trotz confirmed that the 52nd overall pick from 2021 had been returned to Finland to continue his development with Karpat of Liiga. Through two preseason games, Aatu Raty accumulated two shots and three hits in a total of 31:25 minutes but didn’t find the back of the net. Despite that, he certainly stood out as one of the best young prospects at camp. (NYI Hockey Now)
What have we learned so far from Islanders training camp and preseason? Defenseman Robin Salo is pushing for a roster spot, Semyon Varlamov hasn’t skated with the team yet, and there is a fight amongst the final forward depth spots. (NYI Hockey Now)
MSG Networks is no longer a channel on Comcast, as they have dropped the channel from their lineup. This mainly impacts Islander fans in the New Jersey and Connecticut markets, with Fios and Optimum as the main cable providers on Long Island. (NYI Hockey Now)
UBS Arena is still on schedule to be ready for Nov. 20, the Islanders home opener against the Calgary Flames. Here is a video that showcases the updated arena as it continues to near completion. Check out the updated main entrance, the scoreboard, the locker rooms and more. (Newsday)
The Boston Bruins defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-2 a the big boys for Boston showed up. Boston elected to play their regulars against a team of hopefuls. Taylor Hall racked up two assists, while Flyers goaltender Martin Jones struggled, as his career continues to decline rapidly. Jake DeBrusk’s goal in the second period was the goal that put the Bruins in a comfortable spot. (Boston Hockey Now)
The Philadelphia Flyers surely struggled against the Boston Bruins. The penalty kill was a mess, Martin Jones struggled. The only positive that came from the game was the play of Joel Farabee. He got a hefty contract this summer and looked strong as he netted two goals in the loss. (Philly Hockey Now)
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan split up his remaining 48 players into two groups. One was his NHL players, the other the WBS group, with a few of his younger players getting a chance with the big boys. Is Sullivan playing it safe or is he challenging prospects? (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
Washington Capitals prospect Hendrix LaPierre seemed to be a long shot to make the NHL roster. However, with Niklas Backstrom injured, there is an opening and LaPierre has done everything he can to keep eyes on him throughout training camp. (Washington Hockey Now)
Vladislav Namestnikov was not happy with the way he played in 2020-21 after signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings prior to the start of the season. He failed to bring a whole lot of offense and knows he has to be better in year two to help his team get out of the basement of the NHL. (Detroit Hockey Now)
While there is not a goaltender battle to start the season, with Sergei Bobrovsky the no. 1 netminder and Spencer Knight the no. 2, there is a fight for the third goaltender spot. After a strong performance in his preseason outing, Christopher Gibson looks to win that battle and received high praise from his head coach Joel Quenneville. (Florida Hockey Now)
The Vegas Golden Knights fell to the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Thursday. Starting netminder Robin Lehner was shaky in his preseason debut and left with a minor injury. Vegas’s effort level was rather lower and the power-play issues continued as they went 0-4. (Vegas Hockey Now)
The San Jose Sharks defeated Anaheim Ducks 3-1 in their third preseason game. Ryan Merkley, Jeffrey Viel, and Kevin LeBlanc scored in the win, while James Reimer stopped 24 of 25. Here are the game notes. (San Jose Hockey Now)
As we waited and waited for RFA’s Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes to come to agreements with the Vancouver Canucks on contract extensions, the day has finally come. Pettersson gets a 3-year deal worth $7.8 M AAV while Hughes gets similar money but his deal is six years. (Vancouver Hockey Now)
The NHL fanbase has been waiting for a show that showcases the emotion and then authenticity of the athletes. Amazon alongside the NHL and the Toronto Maple Leafs have created a documentary called “All or Nothing” which followed the team throughout the 2020-21 season and postseason, catching the emotions following their Game 7 loss to Montreal. (NHL)
After dealing with a Visa issue, Jakub Vrana got on the ice for the first time this preseason on Thursday. Unfortunately he sustained an injury just 10 minutes into practice, an injury that will keep him out of the lineup for four months and will require surgery. (NHL)
Thursday, the NHL and Canadian teams came together for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. This day honors the children who were lost and the survivors of the residential schooling system for indigenous peoples. (NHL)