You certainly hope the Islanders get some playoff-vs.-good-team practice as well as some points out of this weekend traveling back-to-back in Tampa and Carolina, but it is a little comforting going into the weekend knowing they got four points out of meetings with the Capitals and Devils during the week.
At sunrise today, the Islanders were three points ahead of the Penguins and four ahead of the Panthers. Florida’s game in Columbus is simultaneous with the Islanders-Lightning match, but the Penguins played earlier, losing in regulation at home to the Bruins. (Teehee.)
No lineup changes expected for the Isles, though Sebastian Aho participated in the morning skate and seems to be nearing his return.