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I know this is rather self-evident when your life likely consists of lots of mask-wearing, extra-deliberate decision-making on who you see and which outings you take, but what a surreal environment we’re in right now, hockey-wise:
The Islanders held another scrimmage yesterday as part of their “training” camp, which is taking place four months after they prematurely ended the regular season, so that they can do a best-of-five play-in round in a few weeks, in a bubble city, for the right to pursue the Stanley Cup in August.
Odd times.
Islanders News
They wore official unis yesterday. Maybe that went to their heads.
Another scrimmage and another day closer to playoff hockey! pic.twitter.com/qJ5meYsZyd
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) July 19, 2020
- About that scrimmage. They disappointed the teacher. Barry Trotz said yesterday’s was not their best work. “Not happy with a lot of stuff.” [Newsday]
- Thomas Greiss discussed some of the outdoorsy things he did to stay in shape during the pandemic layoff. [Isles]
- Yesterday’s post-scrimmage media availabilities included Noah Dobson, Anthony Beauvillier and Andy Greene. Beauvillier enjoyed some time to simply watch movies with his dad. [Isles video]
- Greene, a UFA and late addition to the Islanders this season, never considered opting out of the return to play. [Newsday]
- Hockey Night in New York had a few guests discussing current Islanders events. [Spreaker]
Moment of Zen
what in the pic.twitter.com/S1vwEUkdg5
— Dan (@cultureoflosing) July 20, 2020
Everywhere Else
- Vladimir Tarasenko made himself a viral quote kind of guy for saying, “We don’t go [to the hub] like for a resort, where we’re expecting unbelievable food service, like a five-star summer resort. We’ve going for playing hockey … I don’t need much to live. I just need a bed and food.” [Athletic | St. Louis Game Time | KMOX]
- Various team-by-team updates from around the league. [NHL]
- Tuukka Rask is among the many goalies expecting a time-share with his tandem partner (former Isle Jaroslav Halak) in the playoffs. [NHL]
- OMG after leaving a scrimmage early now Sidney Crosby has missed a day of practice. [TSN]
- Troy Stecher opens up about the death of his father. [Sportsnet]
- NHLers say the playoffs should be some “wild” hockey and noted Ambassador of Excitement John Tavares says it should be “fun to watch,” for sure. [TSN]