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The New York Islanders continue their nine-game road “trip” and begin their post-deadline (There was a deadline? Did anything happen?) life in Dallas with a rather-anticipated NHL debut.
Joshua Ho-Sang, called up for practice Tuesday, then reassigned for roster management later that day, was with the team yesterday and is ready for his first NHL game.
Ho-Sang, you surely recall, has faced his share of criticism — some warranted, some not — before even entering the NHL draft and in the years since. Remember his draft day and what Garth Snow said about the criticism?
We do too:
Celebrate Josh Ho-Sang's #Isles debut w/ a "They $#!% On Me, Too" shirt from @LHHockey. $ goes to dementia research. https://t.co/S7m3JVpZKk pic.twitter.com/laBZMtOxFd
— Dan Saraceni (@cultureoflosing) March 2, 2017
The most important thing for the Isles is that he’s overcome growing pains and worked on his professional game this year in AHL Bridgeport and can hopefully bring his playmaking skill to the NHL.
The Isles management likes how his game has developed. Hard-driving but fair Sound Tigers coach Brent Thompson is happy with how his game has developed. By all accounts, he’s ready for this step.
Less important, but fun: He’ll be wearing #66, as he was a fan of Mario Lemieux — and yet apparently that enrages some Pittsburgh fans. (Also: The sun came up today.)
Joshua Ho-Sang will be just the 6th NHL player to wear No. 66 in a game. That was a topic of discussion this morning: pic.twitter.com/M4W89sDzyA
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) March 2, 2017
Ho-Sang is, as you might expect, completely jacked up for tonight. He’ll be on a line with Andrew Ladd and Brock Nelson.
"It's amazing. I'm trying to enjoy every moment. When I got on the ice yesterday I just looked around the rink and was like 'wow!'" #Isles pic.twitter.com/DsBrPGOMZz
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 2, 2017
Thomas Greiss starts in goal for the Isles.
For the Stars, well they were sellers at the trade deadline. It’s been a disappointing season for them, and they cut their losses by parting with Patrick Eaves, Jordie Benn, Lauri Korpikoski and Johnny Oduya. Patrick Sharp needs season-ending surgery but will continue to play.
Coverage
This one is on MSG+2 (twice the plus!), plus radio coverage on AM970 - The Answer, 88.7FM - WRHU and 103.9FM - LI News.
Get your Stars coverage and links at Defending Big D.
Leave your First Islanders Goal picks here by game time, which is 8:30 p.m. EST.