Islanders News: Assessing the start; more tributes to Wang

Not much from Monday’s practice as the Islanders prepare to play again Wednesday. Josh Bailey left the ice early after feeling tightness.

Islanders Reading

• What to make of the first seven games? Some tough opponents, to be sure. Also some early indicators for the power play and 5v5 play. Travis/NDRedEagle breaks out the charts. [LHH]
• Dan and Mike recorded a Very Special Episode of Islanders Anxiety to discuss the road trip, the power play, Nick Leddy, and the impact of Charles Wang. [LHH]

More memories of Wang

• “You want to play for someone like Charles.” [NHL]
• “He’s genuinely a good person, who cared for us as individuals and loved this team.” [Isles]
• Tributes from fellow owners, players, and others attached to the man who saved the Isles. [Isles]
• From Rick DiPietro, sadness and regret... [Newsday]
• ...and more Islanders past and present [Newsday]
• Good thread here with story links over the years from Jim Baumbach, who remembers Wang as a straight-shooter, someone who didn’t change depending on who was present company. [@jimbaumbach]

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores included a back-and-forth 5-4 OT Jets win over the Blues in Winnipeg, and the Flyers falling 4-1 at home to Colorado.

• You want power rankings? Here are some, or seven. [TSN]
• Michael Peca reflects on his contract stalemate that cost him a year of hockey and forced a trade to the Islanders. BUT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE LEAFS? [Athletic]
• Curtis Joseph discusses his new book, which is very personal about his childhood and his career, and also reveals a secret you didn’t need to know about former Islander Derek King. “I wasn’t ready mentally to play for a Mike Keenan.” [TSN Video | Athletic]
• Marquee matchup tonight: Connor vs. Sid has echoes of the ol’ days of Wayne vs. Mario, except this time around it’s the Oilers who suck and the Penguins who are actually a good team. [Sportsnet]
• Nice summer acquisition: Jeff Skinner has been the Sabres’ best skater so far. [Buffalo News]
• When you hand your ex-teammate his Cup ring as he visit the locker room before you face off as opponents. [@Capitals]