New York Islanders vs. Boston Bruins Pre-Game 6 Updates: As you were

No surprises from the New York Islanders’ end before Game 6 as they aim to close out their second-round NHL playoff series with the Boston Bruins. The Isles will use the same lineup of skaters that they’ve used for every game this series. Semyon Varlamov, who’s been in net for every game since Game 1, remains as the starter.

Barry Trotz’s pre-game media session confirmed that approach, so the scrum mostly focused on what the team might’ve learned from last year, how it’s different this year in front of fans instead of the antiseptic bubble, and what the mindset is heading into tonight.

As far as any adjustments to approach compared to Game 5 and the early Bruins blitz, Trotz said a big part is simply avoiding the turnovers and bad decisions that enabled the Bruins to keep the pressure on.

And this didn’t come up again, but whether or not Bruce Cassidy’s complaints have any effect on how things are called, the Islanders can’t expect to score on three consecutive power plays like they did in Game 5, the first time they had that many power play goals in one game under Barry Trotz.

Islanders-Bruins Injury Updates: Nothing new

The Isles’ injuries are all pre-existing: Anders Lee has been done for the season, Oliver Wahlstrom and Michael Dal Colle remain day-to-day, and Trotz would be unlikely to change even if the latter two were available.

For the Bruins, Kevan Miller has been out all series and Brandon Carlo has been out the last two games, and no update is expected there. There was some question about whether whatever nagging issues Tuukka Rask is dealing with would keep him out, but few bought it, and Bruce Cassidy confirmed today that Rask would start.

UPDATE: Jake DeBrusk will slide back into the lineup after missing Game 5.

The Other Saints Join the Fun

Of course, Islanders fans are looking for a raucous time. It has the makings of a classic, celebratory night in Nassau Coliseum’s final playoff run. Adding a little spice is the series of Bruce Cassidy comments that drew a fine from the NHL and mockery from us. The NFL New Orleans Saints have joined in on that fun:

Last Chance for Cassidy to Complain?

Since it’s been a topic for some of the less literate — including so much Boston media that pretty much just fans the flames — here are the ref assignments in this series thus far:

Ledecky on What’s Working

Say no more, say no more...: