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Islanders News: Greiss and the Cats, Martin and the decision, Trotz on special teams

Also: The Islanders’ opponent knows they have a rare opportunity.

By Dominik

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NHL: DEC 12 Islanders at Panthers
Greiss sees through the Panthers.
Photo by Joel Auerbach/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The days have all blurred together since March but I’m pretty sure today is Saturday. Two weeks from the start of the best-of-five.

Islanders News

  • Thomas Greiss, Matt Martin (more on him below), Devon Toews and Ryan Pulock were the player availabilities yesterday. Greiss addressed his success against the Panthers, Toews said he’s taking nothing for granted with at least eight healthy D-men back in the fold. [Isles video]
  • The Islanders know their special teams will need a refresher — and the slow start they had at the beginning of 2019-20 would do them in if it’s repeated. [Newsday]
  • NEW! For the Islanders to make 2019-20 a success, they’ll need to rediscover their defensive formula from 2018-19. [The Athletic]
  • Barry Trotz covered that and a variety of other topics in his media briefing. [Isles video]
  • Ilya Sorokin’s attempt to get to the U.S. for camp may be hitting a visa snag. [@StapeAthletic]
  • Matt Martin just welcomed the birth of his daughter. Should he stay or should he play? [Newsday]

Banter Alert: (If you’re unaware, Martin’s father-in-law is former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, who is an unashamed Rangers fan for some reason.)

The Lady Byng nominations included no Islanders, but you can read and hear about some past Islanders winners in this post and podcast from Dan’s “Islanders Award Winners” series, focusing on Mike Bossy and Pierre Turgeon. [LHH]

Your Moment of Zen: They grow up so fast...

Elsewhere

  • About the Enemy: Presented with a rare shot to make noise in the playoffs, the Panthers veterans want to make sure everyone knows what’s at stake. [Sun Sentinel | Miami Herald]
  • Lots of other camp updates from around the league here. [Sportsnet]
  • One of the wild cards to this bubble situation, happening in Boston: David Pastrnak has tested negative but is in quarantine due to contact with someone who tested positive. [Athletic]
  • Typically fascinating interview with John Tavares on recovering from injuries as he approaches age 30. [TSN]
  • Martin, of course, is not the only NHLer facing dilemmas with newborns and what to do in this odd bubble situation. Expectant father Lars Eller is one of two Capitals with tricky issues to juggle. [Japers’ Rink]
  • Meanwhile, this is subscriber locked, but Michael Grabner thoughtfully discussed the family and health factors weighed in his decision. [AZ Coyotes Insider]

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