Sorry for the lack of a preview. A dreaded bug going around has taken this blogger out.
Coolest thing for Islanders fans is that with the suspension of Brendan Witt, AHL All-Star Andy MacDonald gets the call from Bridgeport. Coach Scott Gordon likes A. MacDonald's skill (yep, we're going to need to first-initial him now), but the physical part of his game needs maturing. This should be a nice baptism for him in the low pressure of a late-season non-playoff-stakes game.
Buffalo Sabres (31-24-7, 8th/E) at New York Islanders (18-36-7, 30th)
7 p.m. | Nassau Coliseum | MSG+
Sabres blog: Die by the Blade (SBN)
As they noted at Die by the Blade, "tonight's game could be the final game as a Sabre for some of these players." Know the feeling. And that's without a fan favorite picking up a suspension through the deadline. The injury to Ryan Miller really makes their playoff push and trade deadline dilemma tough.
Back to the Witt suspension, though (one more time now), in that same Logan blog update, Witt was naturally asked why his was five while the now-infamous Mike Mottau's hit on Frans Nielsen garnered a measly two: "Well, his was probably an 'attempted hit [to the head].' We thought we were looking at three at the most, but the league makes those decisions. You can't argue with the league."
Indeed.
Logan, contrary to other rumors, says the Isles have received no serious offers for Witt. We'll see what the weekend brings.
Enjoy the game. I may be in the infirmary for this one.