Islanders vs. Sharks: Strome out, Greiss starts

The New York Islanders finish their three-game California road trip in San Jose with a Black Friday 1 p.m. local (4 p.m. EST) start today.

Initial word on lineup changes was Thomas Greiss starting after his stellar performance three nights ago in Anaheim, plus the day-to-day Cal Clutterbuck returning from a one-game absence while Ryan Strome sits. (For a snapshot of current and eternal Isles fan unrest, check the replies to that Staple tweet: It’s Strome Stinks vs. Cappy Idiot vs. Yes But Snow Drafted...)

Yep.

The Islanders have two points from this road trip after surviving a marathon shootout and friendly video review in Anaheim only to cough up a chance at a point or two while conceding a(nother) late goal in Los Angeles.

Last Stand?

There is a sense among some observers — and a strong feeling among many, many fans — that this should be the last stand for this roster and/or coaching staff as currently constructed. The Isles are last in the East, they will remain so even with a regulation win today, and all of their underlying numbers point to a team that rightly deserves that spot in the standings as they prepare for their 20th game of the season.

If this were indeed the end, Strome being scratched for various lineup reasons would be a fitting final stand.

So...happy Black Friday!

Now Buy This

Speaking of which, we have some Black Friday deals all weekend in our t-shirt (and hoodie) sale, our proceeds from which are donated to dementia research in the name of the late, great Al Arbour.

Check out details and new designs here, and head to the full store here.

How to Watch

This game is on TV and you can watch it despite your better instincts. TV is MSG+, various radio is AM 970 The Answer, 88.7FM WRHU, 103.9FM LI News.

But, snark aside, during ugly stretches (weeks, months, seasons, decades) like this it can sometimes be helpful to remember some of the cool results-independent stuff about following a team:

FIG Picks

Leave your First Islanders Goal picks here by game time, which is 4 p.m. EST.