The New York Islanders are in Sunrise, Florida, tonight for the first half of a back-to-back swing with the Panthers and (tomorrow) the Lightning. After a strong start under Gerard Gallant, the Panthers have lost three straight and nine of 12 and already surrounded by talk of "daunting playoff odds" thanks to the If Not By U.S. Thanksgiving magical theory that has already gained a little too much attention.
For the Isles, the big focus is the "new" guy.
Ryan Strome has returned from his three-week banishment to AHL Bridgeport, where he tallied two goals and two assists in eight games.