Islanders News: Playoff prep and callups from the Bridgeport ‘Islanders’

The Islanders now begin playoff preparation for their first-round series with the Penguins, though an official start has not been announced as of daybreak.

There is much to digest, and some new faces joining the group to provide bodies.

Islanders News & Playoff Previews

• The Athletic’s Islanders and Penguins writers share initial thoughts on the series, and how Pittsburgh has gotten the better of them since the humbling 2019 sweep. [Athletic]
• But Pittsburgh is aware of how the Isles have improved since then. [Post-Gazette]
• There are no secrets between these two teams. [Newsday]
• But unlike the Isles who will of course be without captain Anders Lee, the Penguins are nearing full health at the right time. [Post-Gazette]
• The latest No Sleep Till Belmont podcast talks playoffs with Shannon Hogan, who shares Butch Goring stories. [Spotify]
• Andrew Gross’ Island Ice podcast also previews the series. [Newsday]
• How Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech stabilized the Isles blueline. [EP Rinkside]
• The latest from Cuomo says the Islanders (and others) can increase arena capacity, in time for the playoffs. [AM NY | Post]

Black Aces:

With Bridgeport’s season over (and the Sound Tigers name retired), you’ll notice lots of players added to the Islanders roster as black aces in the playoffs:

• Ken Appleby (he’s a goalie...)
• Cole Bardreau
• Samuel Bolduc
• Grant Hutton
• Anatolii Golyshev
• Simon Holmstrom
• Otto Koivula
• Dmytro Timashov
• Bode Wilde

If any of them end up seeing playoff action, several things will have gone quite wrong.

• Speaking of Bridgeport, here’s a wide look back at their unusual two-opponent season. [Isles Blog]
• And a little more on their name change and meh logo, as the Bridgeport Islanders. [AP | News 12]
• Prospect Report: Reece Newkirk and Ruslan Iskhakov headline. [Isles]

Arena Aerial Update

Elsewhere

Last night’s scores settled the North Division seeding (Winnipeg takes 3rd) but otherwise meant nothing, as the Capitals did beat the half-staffed Bruins.

• Jack Capuano will coach Team USA at the World Championship. [Bangor Daily News]
• Among the many top Americans he won’t have is Patrick Kane, who has an injury to tend to. [NHL]
• Lots more on Jack Eichel and the “disconnect” with the Sabres, and their other key players who sounded ready to put the “exit” in exit interviews. [Sportsnet 31 Thoughts]
• ...and could Seth Jones also hit the trade market? [TSN]
• And boy, if Dougie Hamilton actually hits UFA... [TSN]
• Looking at where the Capitals missed out in their chase for the division title. [Japers’ Rink]
• The reset has begun in Columbus, where there is much left to do. [SI]
• The Flyers had some odd exit media interviews, but one area they focused on was Carter Hart needs to be better after a horrible season. [NHL]