/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67074943/1188238739.jpg.0.jpg)
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]
Trotz says he can't give true assessment of 4th line because "they're not going to light up our own guys. Are they as effective in our scrimmages? I would probably say not, and I get that part." #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) July 17, 2020
- 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]
Matt Martin on either opting out or playing: "One way or another, you’re leaving family behind." #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) July 17, 2020
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.)
You seem confused @7BOOMERESIASON so let me clear it up for you. #LGI https://t.co/ZUOSGF5Acr pic.twitter.com/a22sAUEojY
— Matt Martin (@mattymarts17) July 17, 2020
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...
A new home for a new Islanders era. pic.twitter.com/8af9LNE3WN
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 16, 2020
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]