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Otto Koivula Recalled by Islanders as Martin, Kuhnhackl on IR

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Philadelphia Flyers v New York Islanders
Otto!
Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Riding a seven-game win streak that admittedly masked a few uninspired performances, the New York Islanders have given themselves some interesting options now that wingers Matt Martin and Tom Kuhnhackl are on injured reserve.

The latest option is Otto Koivula, the big winger-turned-center who impressed all last season at AHL Bridgeport.

Koivula’s recall was announced this morning along with the official IR designations for Martin and Kuhnhackl, who are both initially expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks.

Koivula joins Cole Bardreau as current recalls from Bridgeport. Both are capable of playing center or wing — some flexibility here — though they were reportedly alternating at center during this morning’s practice:

The Islanders have been without Jordan Eberle, whose injury prompted the recall of Oliver Wahlstrom. Wahlstrom has performed nicely but his ice time has dipped.

The Isles don’t play again until Friday, when a visit by the Tampa Bay Lightning begins a traveling back-to-back and five games in nine days. The AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers, also dealing with injury issues, have three games in three nights this weekend.

If Koivula enters the NHL lineup, Dan has a suggestion for you: