The Capitals captain could mean all kinds of problems for the Islanders. Also, Staple says Griffin Reinhart has been recalled with Travis Hamonic's status still unknown. [Newsday]
So, um, who's going to be in the lineup for Game 1? Between injuries and strategies, it could be anyone. [LHH]
No, seriously, who are they gonna play and where? Their second half stumbles don't make the decisions any easier. [NY Post]
After a successful regular season, the Islanders prepare for the "real" season, as Johnny Boychuk calls it. [Daily News]
The Caps watched the Islanders beat the Penguins last Friday and know their opponent well. [Wash. Post]
Mikhail Grabovski's absence is still being felt and his return could be a huge boost to the Islanders. [IPB]
Saturday's game had another special guest: the Islanders 1993 Patrick Playoff Champions banner. [IPB]
Playoff Prognosticating: ESPN | SI.com | Japers Rink gets to know its new enemies: first up, Brock Nelson. | NHL.com on why the Islanders can win the Stanley Cup (relax, they do it for everyone)
Bridgeport was shutout 4-0 by Manchester, the Sound Tigers' third straight loss. [CT Post | Soundin' Off]
And Michael Fornabaio says good bye to Manchester, as the Monarchs will move to California next season. [Soundin' Off]
Oshawa took a 2-0 lead in the series by beating Niagara 6-1 on Sunday. Michael Dal Colle had a goal and two assists, while Joshua Ho-Sang assisted on the Ice Dogs' only goal. [Durham Region]
Beyond the Island
The unemployment rate in Toronto spiked a few points Sunday as the Maple Leafs fired just about everybody, including GM Dave Nonis, interim coach Peter Horachek, all the assistant coaches and about 18 scouts among others. [PPP on Nonis' "legacy" | On the other firings | Bob McKenzie on Brendan Shanahan's next steps.
Also fired was Ted Nolan and all of his Sabres assistants including Bryan Trottier. Tough gig in a no-win situation, literally. Hope both guys bounce back, maybe somewhere where they both worked previously... [DBTB]
The NHL's draft lottery is next Saturday. It's nice that the Islanders aren't involved. [CP]
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