Islanders Gameday News: Meet me in St. Louis, so I can finally go the hell home

The Islanders long, far-reaching and arduous road trip finally comes to an end after tonight’s game against the Blues. At 5-2-1, it’s already been a success. 6-2-1 would be phenomenal.

FIG picks go here. There hasn't been any news yet, but check the lineup because there might be changes.

Weight said a couple forwards were banged up -- one was clearly Strome, who took big hit from Biega in 2nd. #Isles may need call-up Sat.

— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) March 10, 2017

Islanders readings

• Take the time today to listen to Arthur Staple's long-awaited appearance on Dimitri Filipov's HockeyPDOCast. It's a in-depth examination of the Islanders' season and roster and includes discussions about Tavares' contract and Staple's job as the team's sole beat writer. You may already know a lot of the info, but to hear it relayed in a fair way for a general audience is great, just like every episode of the show. [I added the Tavares bit to the Contract Encyclopedia if you want to skip to that]
• Staple also writes about Doug Weight putting his trust in kids Anthony Beauvillier and Joshua Ho-Sang. [Newsday]
• The Islanders burst into the Top 10 of Mike's weekly power rankings. [LHH]
• Josh Bailey's excellent season should also be helping your fantasy team. [NHL]
• The Sound Tigers lost 2-1 last night to Utica, who seem to have their number this season. [CT Post]
• A couple of short videos with some proud Islander parents. Love these.
  

  "My parents are trying to see me play in every rink. I've always had great support from my entire family." -Josh Bailey | #IslesFamily pic.twitter.com/LGib47aZgT

  — New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 10, 2017

  Catching up with Jason Chimera's family in Edmonton! #IslesFamily pic.twitter.com/cPgvCuBCDK

  — New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 10, 2017

  
  

Around the NHL

• Last night's NHL scores. The one game that affects them went the Islanders' way, with the Panthers losing to the Wild. Also, hope you watched the Penguins-Oilers game. It was fun.
• Jakub Voracek wants to go to the Olympics and he tells Bill Daly and company to get their heads out of their asses. [CSN Philly]
• Injuries have destroyed Patrick Sharp's season and made him reflective. [SI.com]
• Congrats on the Oilers going to the playoffs. Now fork over the exorbitant price of playoff tickets. [Edmonton Sun]
• There's a lot of blame to go around in the ongoing Coyotes arena strife. [AZ Sports]
• The evolution of coaching, from shift length to shot blocking. [Globe & Mail]