Islanders News: Greiss almighty, mutually assured rejection

Hi you. I like you. Do you like me?

Such is the nature of the Islanders-Barclays Center relationship, one of inconvenient necessity for both sides. Neither is a perfect fit for the other. Both kind of need each other. Friends always whisper that one day they’ll move on and see different people.

Meanwhile, life and hockey goes on, the rink is still 200 by 85 feet — yes, even in Brooklyn’s basketball areener! — and Thomas Greiss is the goalie you’ve been looking for.

Hockey resumes tonight, with the Islanders facing the Capitals in the league's first post-All-Star context, and we’ll see if the Doug Weight honeymoon was a honeymoon or the start of something better than, well, better than that other relationship noted above.

Leave your First Islanders Goal picks for tonight here.

Islanders, Greiss and the Barclays Ain’ts

Remember, before an opt out by Barclays or NYI, both sides are contractually obligated to negotiate toward a reworked agreement.

— Jim Baumbach (@jimbaumbach) January 31, 2017

• This was recorded before the latest drama -- that might make it more refreshing -- but Dan and Mike Leboff discussed Tavares, the coaching change and the All-Star Game on the never-more-aptly named Islanders Anxiety podcast. [LHH]
  
• The source of the drama: Bloomberg says some papers show Barclays doesn't plan to have revenue from the Islanders in a few years, and "people close" say that means the arena people intend to opt out. [Bloomberg | LHH analysis | NY Daily News | Puck Daddy]
• Dan explains how, you know, now might be a good time for the new owners to clear this up and end our infinite drama. [LHH]
• Brooks too, suggesting it's all part of the lease renegotiation poker. [Post]
  
• All this has Ed Mangano talking about the Coliseum again. [Newsday]
  
• While we're at it, how about that never-ending rumbling about whether the Bridgeport Sound Tigers will stay put? [CT Post] (Also: The AHL will no longer wait for the NBA.)

We Have Games Though. Hockey Games.

• But wait! Hockey! Thomas Greiss signed for three years, $10 million. [Newsday | LHH]
• Travis Hamonic, Thomas Hickey and Cal Clutterbuck are still out tonight. Philipp Grubauer will start for the Caps. [Isles]
• As noted, with the Isles back at it tonight, they're hoping to pick up where they left off. [MSG]
• Heard of Offside Tavern? It's a new bar in NYC on 14th street between 6th and 7th and it aims to be...an Islanders bar! [FanPost]

Places That Have Arena Certainty

• Contenders...they're just like US! Raw Charge ponders how to cope with the Lightning possibly missing the playoffs. [Raw Charge]
• Former Rangers goalies discuss Henrik Lundqvist's struggles. [Puck Daddy]
• Meanwhile, they're coach signed a two-year extension. [TSN]
  
• You may have noticed Barclays Center is far from the only arena receiving regular criticism for the quality of its ice. What's the deal? Weather, multi-use facilities and other variables persist. [THN]
• Trump's Muslim ban affects Mika Zibanejad's family. [Puck Daddy]
• The trade deadline is in sight. What shall Frans's Wings do? [TSN]