Islanders News: They’re back on the ice today, at least

Only two more sleeps until the Islanders play again. I can’t lie and say I haven’t appreciated the break. But, as a fan, I’m bored and ready to watch hockey again.

Islanders News

This Andrew Gross tweet is from yesterday, meaning the Islanders will be on the ice today.

• With the rash of injuries to some players in important roles, the Islanders have displayed some versatility by stepping into new roles. Roles! [Islanders]
• Sebastian Aho didn’t get a break; he just played in the AHL All-Star Game in Ontario, California. He even scored a goal!
• In which DGB points out a number of player rivalries, including Michael Peca vs. Darcy Tucker, who ended up teammates, to see how the Matthew Tkachuk-Zack Kassian feud may have wound up. [The Athletic]
• Floral Park won’t give up—now an official is claiming the state ignored local concerns. [The Island Now]
• The Islanders and Northwell Health Ice Center are hosting a STEM Day for students on Long Island to learn about STEM fields through hockey. [Islanders]

Today’s edition of the Islanders Players Poll decides who has the worst taste in music. Leo Komarov and Johnny Boychuk finished top-two, a vote apart, in a room full of young guys. [The Athletic]

From that piece: someone in that room really hates country.

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores include the Predators beating the Capitals in regulation despite Nick Bonino scoring an own goal and the heavily-anticipated next installment of the Battle of Alberta. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Sean Monahan tussled (I don’t know if you could call it a fight) and then Kassian and Tkachuk resumed the rivalry. The Flames beat the Oilers 4-3 in a shootout.

• Before the game, Edmonton gave Kassian a four-year extension worth $3.2 million a year. Playing with Connor McDavid can make a man rich. [Copper & Blue]
• Elliotte Friedman’s 31 Thoughts always contain some interesting information this time of the season, right before the deadline. Nothing on the Isles, though. [Sportsnet]
• Coaches often talk about getting “the little things” right. What are they, exactly? [The Athletic]
• The Sharks have started using individual goal songs instead of the same one for everyone—sorta like walk-up music for batters in baseball. Fear the Fin has a wishlist.

We saw it last night when Tomas Hertl scored and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme played:

(Sadly, Hertl got injured later in the game and missed the end, so it may be a little while before we hear TMNT again.)