Islanders News: To the streets of Philadelphia

The Islanders — well, a squad of them, anyway — are in Philadelphia for a preseason game tonight, while the rest of camp scrimmages back home.

Last season’s taxi goalie Cory Schneider will get some action in net.

For a few of the players headed to Philadelphia, we can perhaps infer that they impressed Barry Trotz on Sunday and will get a chance to further their case:

Here’s Barry talking about such things:

And here’s how to expect the Flyers to line up, including their new top pairing with Ryan Ellis:

You can find links and thoughts on what’s up with the Flyers over at Broad Street Hockey.

Meanwhile, back on the Island...

Islanders News

• The NHL official site rolls its Islanders preview: Anders Lee’s return is key. [NHL]
• It’s been such a journey for Zdeno Chara, between his beginning as an Islander and his late-career return. Steve Webb, Mark Parrish and Eric Cairns recall his early days. [Athletic]
• The Isles aren’t sure how many defensemen they’ll carry. (Could Robin Salo carve out an opening?) [Newsday]
• Greg Wyshynski of ESPN ranks all 32 goalie tandems and — influenced by discussions with goalies, coaches, and reviewing stats — declares the Isles #1. [E$PN]
• Saturday’s preseason game in Bridgeport kicks off a trio of games hosted there, as a sort of formal opening to the “Bridgeport Islanders” era. [NY Sports Day]
• Stan Fischler remembers Gerry Hart, the “heart” of the original Islanders. [Isles]
• Zach Parise — who scored in today’s scrimmage — is settling in on the Island. [AM NY]
• On lots of offseason changes of scenery, including Chara to the Isles and Hyman to the Oilers. [AP]

Raty Impresses with His Person and Game

Aatu Raty appears headed back to Finland soon — which was the plan all along — after making a very good first impression on the Isles brass.

Lehner Loves You, Islanders Fans

Robin Lehner still loves you. He fondly recalls the “special relationship” with Isles fans, who “saved [his] life” and made him love hockey again.

Elsewhere

• The Rangers’ newly constructed fourth line hopes it can be something like the Islanders’ Identity Line. [Post]
• NHL talking heads “reveal” the top 10 players in the league. [NHL]
• After a pandemic pause, the Metro Division is back, and judged to be the toughest division. [THN]
• 32 Thoughts Podcast on Jack Eichel, Canucks unsigned RFAs, and the open question of whether Travis Hamonic is going to play. [Sportsnet]
• An interview with Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, who returns Pierre LeBrun’s phone calls. [Athletic]
• Jalen Smareck, the target of a disgusting racist taunt in the Ukranian Hockey League, is taking some time off: “I have been putting a lot of thought into what comes next for me in my career but as of right now I have decided that I will be taking a personal leave of absence from HC Donbass and I will not play another game in the UHL until Andrey Denyskin is suspended and removed from the league. Thank you.” [Sportsnet]
• The Rangers will retire Henrik Lundqvist’s number this season. [NHL]
• Speaking of former Rangers, Dylan McIlrath (remember him?) is suspended four games (two preseason, two regular) for a check to the head. [NHL]

Moment of Zen

Perhaps Kevin Poulin wasn’t ready to come into the game: ”That’s a tough one...”