The Islanders' Ross Johnston practices during training camp at the Northwell Health Ice Center on Monday. Credit: David L. Pokress/David L. Pokress
Ross Johnston wants to make his NHL playoff debut this season, even if the hub city bubbles will be different from any previous postseason.
The Islanders’ burly left wing is in a training camp battle for playing time with several other forwards. On Monday, Johnston earned his best opportunity so far to state his case.
Coach Barry Trotz shifted Johnston onto Brock Nelson’s line with Josh Bailey. There’s little doubt those two will be in the lineup for Game 1 of the Islanders’ best-of-five qualifying series against the Panthers on Aug.