Players aren’t supposed to lose lineup spots because of injury, but sometimes that’s just the way it goes.
At least, that’s what has happened with Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey, who went from a top-four stalwart to now having to battle to get back in after missing 10 weeks following a concussion suffered on Dec. 17.
Hickey has been scratched for two straight following his return Tuesday. As coach Barry Trotz made clear, it wasn’t just because he wanted to ease him back into the lineup, but because the defensive corps had played so well in his absence.