Lighthouse Hockey, a New York Islanders community

The New York Islanders announced today that 17 players have been assigned to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Forwards Sean Backman, Casey Cizikas, Justin DiBenedetto, Brett Gallant, Tomas Marcinko, Tyler McNeely, Tony Romano, David Ullstrom and Tim Wallace will all report to Bridgeport, along with defensemen Calvin de Haan, Matt Donovan, Anton Klementyev, Aaron Ness and Benn Olson. Finally, three goalies rounded out the group, in Mikko Koskinen, Anders Nilsson and Kevin Poulin.

No injury news, but insurance for five-game road swing that hits Detroit, Calgary, Edmonton, Colorado, Chicago.

Mikchael Fornabaio at the Connecticut Post is doing this online chat every Tuesday. Click the link for a replay and some nice Bridgeport nuggets.

Don't know how many of you visit Mike Fornabaio's coverage of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (AHL), but he's having an online chat today at 1:30 p.m. EST. [Edit: As he points out, they are doing them every Tuesday.] If you have questions about the boys down on the farm -- whether young or Witt -- that'd be a good destination.

Sound Tigers beat writer Fornabaio reports the move as purely a hockey decisions. (In truth, they did have a lot of bodies in Bridgeport.) But on top of all the legal issues, a backwards move sure doesn't look good for his career.

A 3-3 tie with the Sound Tigers winning the shootout. Koskinen withstood a barrage in the first period, according to the Conn. Post.

Mike Fornabaio notes Peter Mannino has moved on to the Atlanta Thrashers' organization, while defenseman Chris Lee, who turns 29 in October, has become a Penguin. In a strange season, Mannino's 40-save win in Chicago was one of the highlights. Update: The list of 20 NHLers filing for arbitration includes Nate Thompson.

First the Bentivoglio hat trick to clinch the playoffs, then longshot goalie Nathan Lawson is named to the AHL All-Rookie Team. Mirtle has a little more on the rest of the All-Rookie squad.