Islanders Gameday News: Martin out, Lehner backs up Greiss

The New York Islanders host the New Jersey Devils in Brooklyn tonight, when they’ll try to extend a four-game winning streak and remain undefeated against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Leave your First Islanders Goal picks here.

Islanders Reading

• The Isles are rolling so won’t want to change much. Thomas Greiss starts again, but Robin Lehner is available as his backup. Ross Johnston steps in for Matt Martin, who is day to day after banging up his wing in the second Penguins game. [@NYIslanders]
• Kicking off a three-in-three, the Sound Tigers welcomed Michael Dal Colle back from injury — reuniting him with Ho-Sang (couple PP assists, and penalties drawn) and Jones — and got their share of chances, but remain snakebitten in Springfield. [CT Post | Soundin’ Off] Maybe they get Christopher Gibson back with Lehner dressing tonight.
• There was some Twitter hub-bub about how the original headline (since changed) portrayed this column about challenges Mathew Barzal faces in his second season. [Newsday]
• The Isles are happy with their goalies, including Robin Lehner who returned to practice yesterday. [Isles Day to Day]
• A quick IslesSeat podcast reacting to the sweep of the Penguins. [SoundCloud]
• Memories: On this date 11 years ago Al Arbour returned to coach his 1,500th (regular season) game behind the Isles bench. [NHL]
• Deeper Memories: Stan Fischler recalls how in 1975, after overturning a 3-0 series deficit to eliminate the Penguins, the Isles came this close to doing it again against the Flyers. [Isles]

Speaking of memories...it’s an alumni night tonight. They took them around the city. How many players can you identify?

Elsewhere

• Looking at the Devils, who started strong but are now in a slump: “The Devils can score goals — That isn’t the problem. However, when the Devils give up 3.2 goals a game, it’s hard to win the majority of your games.” [All About The Jersey]
• A shutout (and some history) for Mikko Koskinen! [@PR_NHL]
• Continuing what has been rumbled in a few places, former players say the NHL is nearing a settlement on a concussion lawsuit. [TSN]
• The Lightning signed Yanni Gourde to a six-year contract. [NHL]
• Now in the Fans Upset with Coach Handling Young Player chronicles, David Quinn’s handling of Filip Chytil. [Blueshirt Banter]
• Meanwhile, is it time for the Sabres to send Tage Thompson back for some AHL seasoning? [Die By The Blade]
• That’s part of a bigger picture where the Sabres are essentially a one-line team right now. [Die By The Blade]
• The Canadiens’, who play the Isles Monday, are fun. [Habs Eyes on the Prize]

Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Elias Pettersson became the youngest Canuck to do a Barzal — five points in one game — as part of an OT victory: