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Someone’s losing streak is ending this afternoon. Let’s hope it’s the Islanders.
The Islanders and Hurricanes enter today’s matinee on separate losing streaks—New York’s at five straight (0-3-2) while Carolina’s at four straight (0-3-1)—but in recent times, the Hurricanes have had the Islanders’ number.
After this, the Islanders head out to western Canada, visiting the Canucks, Flames, and Oilers, in that order, before a stop in western Pennsylvania. Not an easy trip; a win today would be nice, but I’m not keeping my hopes up.
FIG picks go here. 1:00 p.m. start.
Some Light Local Gameday Reading
- A preview of today’s game that you’ll find here.
- Dan, like the rest of us, is wondering what the hell happened to Islander hockey. [LHH]
- The Islanders are sputtering at crunch time and part of it has to fall on GM Lou Lamoriello. [Graziano @ WFAN]
- Barry Trotz didn’t have lines at yesterday’s practice and there’s no morning skate today because it’s a day game. Also don’t know who’s between the pipes.
- The Hurricanes are expected to start Anton Forsberg today, though it does sound like Petr Mrazek is getting closer.
Good to see Petr Mrazek on the ice this morning with goalie coach Jason Muzzatti. After yesterday's practice hopefully another positive step. Anton Forsberg expected starter today. Talk to guys later
— John Forslund (@JohnForslund) March 7, 2020
Some Non-Local News
Last night’s NHL scores include some strange scores: the Devils beat the Blues, the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks, and the Jets beat the Golden Knights, all in regulation. Also, the Maple Leafs lost to the Ducks in regulation.
- The “Pocket Rocket” Henri Richard, younger brother of Maurice, passed away yesterday at the age of 84. He holds the record for most Stanley Cups won by a player with 11. [EOTP | NHL]
- Some more bad news: the NHL’s salary cap isn’t likely to rise much next season. [The Athletic]
- The Blues’ Vladimir Tarasenko is progressing well on his shoulder injury but his return time is still unknown. [NHL]
- Some teams roll 4 lines to a fault and ought to play some other players more. The Stars and Predators are especially guilty. [ESPN]
- Jeff Daniels and Dave Coulier announced the Red Wings starters to the locker room last night. Hilarity ensued. [Detroit Free Press]