Islanders News: Homeward bound, Bossy’s key, Mayfield’s homecoming

The Islanders ended their longest road trip in franchise history on a down note, a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues, but they came out of it with a 5-3-1 record, not bad all things considering.

Toronto’s overtime win last night meant the Isles dropped out of the wild card position. The next turn in their season now lies in how they handle the Carolina Hurricanes in home-and-home Monday and Tuesday night.

Islanders News

• Jenny had the recap and thoughts on a comeback falling short. [LHH]
• The Isles were frustrated by the result but overall happy with how they played in chapter 9 of the trip. [Newsday]
• Win or lose, it was a special homecoming for Scott Mayfield, who notched an assist and wasn’t going to play this one until Doug Weight was reminded where they were. [Newsday]
• Here’s Shannon Hogan talking to Mayfield’s parents. Good move by his dad, sporting his Denver U. jersey rather than have to choose enemy colors. [MSG]
• More recaps: The Isles felt they had chances to change the game in the second [Isles], while Blues coach Mike Yeo called it “a character win.” [Blues]
• Looking back at the shared history of the Isles and Blues, which includes a lot of players, few trades, almost zero significant meetings, and one legendary coach. [STL Game Time]
• Mike Bossy says today’s game is “monotonous to watch” and thinks the league should create a “key” like basketball to prevent collapsing in front of the goal. [Post/Brooksie]
• The Sound Tigers’ offense dried up and Jaroslav Halak was pulled in a loss to Albany. [CT Post | Soundin’ Off]
• Reviewing the DVR, what was that written on Anthony Beauvillier’s stick? “Have fun.” [Eyes on Isles]

Beyond the Isle

• After experiencing life in Taranna, Jason Reimer is enjoying relative obscurity with the Panthers. [TSN]
• Also chasing the wild card spot are the Flyers, who lost in a knifing with just seconds left to go in Boston. [BSH]
• Why Evgeny Kuznetsov holds the key to the Capitals. [Puck Daddy]
• Don’t feel bad about that loss to the Flames on the road trip; Calgary just won their ninth straight. [TSN]
• ...nor about that loss to the Senators, who just won their sixth straight. [TSN]
• Carl Hagelin’s broken foot is the latest injury hit to the Penguins roster. [Pensburgh]
• The Panthers have lost five in a row, eight of nine, and now Aaron Ekblad to a concussion. [Puck Daddy]
• Kevin Shattenkirk has a hearing after a charging against the Kings. [Sportsnet]
• Presenting the annual Minnesota All-Hockey Hair team. [Puck Daddy]