NYHN Daily: Lehner’s Return to the Island, Possible Shutdown & More

The New York Islanders look to build on their latest win over the Boston Bruins as they face the Vegas Golden Knights today at UBS Arena.

Ahead of his exciting return to Long Island, Robin Lehner took to social media Saturday to voice his feelings yet again about what Islander fans mean to him. Will the Islanders have a game on Monday?

These stories and more in today’s daily links!

NHL netminder Robin Lehner and the New York Islanders faithful have a bond that can never be broken. After a few years of separation, the two sides get to see one another again as Lehner and the Vegas Golden Knights travel to Long Island to face the Islanders on Sunday. On Saturday, Lehner took to social media ahead of his long-anticipated return to the island. (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders are slated to play the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. By the way things are shaping up, there is a strong chance that game is postponed. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases and the strict rules in Canada, Montreal is not allowed, as of now, to cross over the United States border. The Islanders, like they have done all season, are looking one day ahead. (Newsday)

A source has told Boston Hockey Now that the NHL may be discussing the idea of postponing all NHL games until after the New Year. Quite frankly the NHL does not have a proper plan in place to handle this COVID outbreak, as the league along with everyone around the world thought it was behind them. One of the major concerns is the lost revenue from games without fans, like we saw in Montreal on Friday. Could we see a mid-season divisional re-alignment if the Canadian borders shut down for good? (Boston Hockey Now)

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang had some interesting if sobering, thoughts on the COVID-19 pandemic in light of new restrictions announced Saturday by the NHL as the virus wreaks havoc on the league — as well as other sports, and, well, the world. While many are predicting or concerned that the NHL will shut down its season, at least temporarily, Letang isn’t so sure that will mitigate the spread. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

The Detroit Red Wings defeated the New Jersey Devils by a score of 5-2 on Thursday night. Despite missing six players due to COVID-19, and two coaches, the Red Wings powered through. Their top players performed as Dylan Larkin recorded his first career NHL hat trick while Tyler Bertuzzi netted two goals of his own. Grand Rapids Griffins coach Ben Simon ran the bench during Saturday’s game. The coach of Detroit’s AHL farm club got the win in his first NHL game. Here are five takeaways from the win. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Vegas Golden Knights prospect Pavel Dorofeyev is having himself a rather strong season for the Henderson Silver Knights of the AHL. After a two-goal contest in Game 2 against the Tuscan Road Runners this past week, Dorofeyev now has 16 points in 20 games this season. Not only that, but he is one of four Silver Knights to suit up for every game this season. The 21-year old forward was drafted by the Golden Knights in the third round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and has played one NHL game. (Vegas Hockey Now)

The Vancouver Canucks won’t be playing NHL hockey on Saturday or Sunday night. The concept of defenceman Tucker Poolman turning a potential Tuesday “false positive” Covid test into a series of negatives turned out to be wishful thinking. His follow-up positive, combined with that of fellow defenceman Tyler Myers, forward Tyler Motte and a handful of other Canucks previously diagnosed, meant no pucks for us. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

No one knows how this new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, works. Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving spoke to the media along with head physician Dr. Auld and the media as his team has been ravished by this new variant. The NHL is learning every day and can use what is going on with the Flames as a way to help inform new protocol measures. (Calgary Hockey Now)

Following a vicious hit by Chicago Blackhawks forward Brett Connolly, Dallas Stars forward Tyler Kerro was stretchered off the ice and taken to the hospital. Connolly was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for his actions. The latest update stated that Kerro is alert and conscious. Teammate Joe Pavelski spoke postgame about Kero, along with Blackhawks head coach Derek King. (NHL)

The Toronto Maple Leafs game against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday and their matchup between the Seattle Kraken on Sunday has been postponed due to COVID protocol. Head coach Sheldon Keefe and goaltender Jack Campbell joined seven others currently in COVID protocol. Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas said he spoke to deputy commissioner Bill Daley and was told that they were not being shut down. (NHL)

Pittsburgh Penguins centerman Evgeni Malkin has not played a game this season. After getting knee surgery on June 4, Malkin is finally taking limited contact at practice. The status report is that he looks pretty good but he is still limited. (NHL)