Islanders News: Ladd sums up Sens; Hickey speaks

I am going to try to be a little less angsty when it comes to the Islanders, as a lifetime of it would surely kill me. Quite frankly, it’s becoming difficult to even care about them anymore. I look forward to when they don’t win the draft lottery, and everything I just said is rendered meaningless.

Islanders News

• BREAKING: Josh Ho-Sang’s silence. In an article at The Athletic, Arthur Staple quotes Ho-Sang about his frustrations over the season and his treatment by the team. No, he hasn’t asked for a trade (and probably wouldn’t find a willing taker, especially after this), but he’s not happy with some of the messaging used to justify another year in the AHL. A sample:

“I feel like I can help, you know? I feel like I can help,” he told The Athletic on Tuesday after a Sound Tigers practice. “When I’ve gotten the chance to help, I’ve helped. So I don’t feel like what I’m saying is so farfetched. I played at two pretty tough times of the year – I wasn’t there in the middle of the season, when everyone’s dragging a little. I was there at the start of the season, when everyone’s fresh off their workouts, and I played at the end of last year when everyone was trying to make the playoffs.

“I feel like I’ve played games of substance and I’ve done well. More importantly, the team’s done well with me there. If you’re going to tell me that I’m bad defensively, I do this, I do that, but you win more than you lose with me in the lineup…”

• Get set for what might be the most expensive fourth line in history. As Arthur Staple points out here, there’s a very easy solution to get Andrew Ladd and Brock Nelson going next season, assuming they’re still here. [The Athletic]
• Speaking of Ladd, his game-winner two nights ago seems to have really resonated with Senators writers and fans. [The Athletic]
• Scott Mayfield is getting back up to speed after missing 22 games. [Gross]
• Brian Compton speaks with Thomas Hickey in the latest Isle Seat Podcast. [ISP | Audioboom]
• Norman Siegel, of the New York Civil Liberties Union, will represent the Belmont Park opponents. [Newsday]
• Plans were unveiled for the proposed amphitheater next to the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. [CT Post]
• Luke Fox does a power rankings that highlights season-defining decisions. The Isles rank 30th, with the John Tavares headline reigning strong. [Sportsnet]

NHL News

Last night’s NHL scores. Nothing insane to report.

• Actually relevant to us: the NHL released the 2018 Draft Lottery odds. The Lottery will be held on April 28. [Sportsnet]
• Zdeno Chara signed a one-year, $5 million contract extension. The 41 year-old will be able to reach plenty of bonuses. [Sportsnet]
• Elliotte Friedman’s 31 Thoughts examine the period of change for the Blackhawks. [Sportsnet]
• The family that hosted Nico Hischier will host another prospect in the upcoming draft. [NHL]
• The KHL is contracting two clubs and has lowered the salary cap amid financial struggles. [ESPN]
• Dion Phaneuf is fitting in in Los Angeles, on and off the ice. [The Athletic]
• Roberto Luongo, a parent himself in south Florida, has joined the voices of the children demanding change. [Toronto Star]