The New York Islanders are rarely active on Sunday, but with an all-important game tomorrow night in New Jersey, Patrick Roy had his players out on the ice at Northwell Health Ice Center.
Still No Dobson:
Noah Dobson was not present at practice on Sunday and remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury that he suffered on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens.
He has already missed one game due to the injury and is not expected to be in the lineup tomorrow night at the New Jersey Devils. In Dobson’s place, Sebastian Aho has filled in next to Alexander Romanov.
The absence of Dobson from the lineup has been most noticeable when the Islanders are on the power play.
Five failed chances on the man advantage yesterday in a shootout loss are what ultimately cost the Islanders against the New York Rangers. The Islanders have struggled on the power play for some time now but have come up empty on their last nine opportunities since Dobson got hurt.
“It’s about being a little more calm and seeing our options,” said Islanders head coach Patrick Roy. “Sometimes it’s almost like we’re trying to be too perfect. The quality of goaltenders in this league makes you wonder if you can score those pretty goals. Sometimes it’s just about finding ways to put pucks at the net and score on rebounds.”
MacLean Leaves Early With Illness:
Aside from Dobson, all other players were on the ice for the Islanders to start practice.
That was until fourth-line center Kyle MacLean made an early exit not too long after the team completed line rushes.
Following practice, Roy said that MacLean left due to an illness and expects him to play tomorrow night in New Jersey.
Varlamov Gets The Knod Versus Jersey:
When the Islanders visit the Devils on Monday, they will go with Semyon Varlamov in net.
Varlamov has been the backbone of the Islanders’ recent success, as they’re 6-1-1 in his last eight starts.
“He is playing so well right now,” said Roy. “Varlamov wants to win. I don’t come to the rink asking, ‘Does Varlamov want to win tonight?’ No. Varlamov wants to win every time he’s on the ice and every time he’s playing. He’s been so good for us.”
It only makes sense that the Islanders turn back to Varlamov in New Jersey, where they will officially clinch a playoff berth with a win.
Puck drop between the Islanders and Devils from Prudential Center is scheduled for just after 7 p.m. EST.
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