Islanders Gameday News: Coyotes marathon trip comes to Long Island

The New York Islanders return home tonight to host the Arizona Coyotes, who are on a long new-arena-forced road trip (we know what that’s like) and coming off a convincing win in Buffalo that gives them an elusive two wins in a row.

The visitors are 5-6-1 compared to the Islanders’ comeback-infused 9-5-0 record. After some tough opponents, this begins a “soft” part of the schedule that should be an opportunity for the Islanders to really bank some points.

But you know how banking on “should” can go...

First Islanders Goal picks go here. Catch Coyotes cavorting at Five for Howling.

Islanders News

• Previewing tonight: Back to the usual 7:30 start on Military Appreciation Night. [Isles]
• Boosted by another comeback win, the Islanders have acquired a confidence and feeling that they’re “back.” [Post]
• “This team’s got it,” they say — and we hope. [AM NY]
• It has certainly helped that the power play has started to convert a bit. [Newsday]

Elsewhere

Last night’s NHL scores include the aging and struggling Penguins beating the aging and struggling Capitals in regulation. Also, the Hurricanes were shut out by the Panthers.

• Trever Zegras scored another lacrosse goal except he didn’t, because there was a coach’s challenge for offside way before the play, so it didn’t officially happen. It was just a dream. [Sportsnet]
• The Senators, who the Isles will meet soon, are struggling, having most recently lost to the terrible Canucks. [TSN | Sportsnet]
• Speaking of the Canucks, who lost last night to the Canadiens: does Bruce Bourdreau suddenly not know how to coach or do the Canucks players suddenly not know how to play? [Sportsnet]
• Evander Kane will miss 3-4 months after having surgery following that scary skate cut to the wrist. [TSN]
• Gary Bettman returned from Europe to address whether the Jets will go oversees again, the process for the sale of the Senators, and the Bruins’ botching of the Miller situation. [Sportsnet] (For more on why a player who “just made a mistake at 14” isn’t considered eligible, hear from the victim about how he’s handled the past six years.)
• ICYMI: After another loss to the Islanders, it is slowly dawning on the Rangers that this is not last year. Teehee. [Post]
• Juraj Slafkovsky has been suspended two games for boarding Red Wings forward Matt Luff, knocking Luff out of action long term. [NHL suspension video]
• Kirill Kaprisov was fined $5,000 for his high-stick/cross-check to the face of Drew Doughty, which drew a match penalty but didn’t cause Doughty to miss any time. [TSN]
• Though Andrew Ladd is on LTIR and will not play tonight, his “Atlanta Thrashers” will return in December, sort of: Atlanta’s ECHL squad will don the ironic name and colors. [ATL 11]