NFT: Islanders at Penguins, 7PM Game Thread, NHLN

The Islander find themselves in a self-inflicted bind, and need to get at least 2 of the next 4 possible points to keep pace in the ridiculously tight WC2 race. Heading to what's been a house of horrors over the past several (many) years is yet another obstacle to overcome.

What's new, you ask? Well, unfortunately, Ryan Strome will be out indefinitely (likely 3-6 weeks) after fracturing his wrist at MSG. Alan Quine slots in to take his roster spot (which should help the Isles in the faceoff dot, a much-needed area to improve upon). But the bigger news is that Jaro Halak has been recalled from his banishment to BPT and will start in goal tonight. Dougie:

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"He went down and found his game," Interim Coach Doug Weight said. "Every report I got was about how great his attitude was and how great he's playing and how great the team is playing in front of him. He's been a pro… He's gone down and did what he had to do and found his game and we're excited to have him back."

Jaro:

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"I just wanted to make the most or best out of my time down there and help the guys at the same time while they tried to help me," Halak said. "I think they work hard, that's all I can tell you about them and it's a great group. I obviously wish them good luck the rest of the way and hope they make the playoffs." "I'm going to try to enjoy it," Halak said. "That's all you can do. I'm happy to be back in the NHL. Every night for us, for me, for whoever is in net we need to keep getting points. Tomorrow is obviously a big game, then going home to play Boston that we're trying to catch, that'll be an even bigger game. We just have to go game by game and everyone try to play hard and try to bring their best right now.

So, Jar-o be there (bonus if you get the bad James Ingram/Michael McDonald reference). Same defense tonight, which also means that Seidenberg remains in the pressbox.

And more to love about Josh Ho-Sang (reposted from last night):

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PITTSBURGH — The question trailed off and Josh Ho-Sang knew where it was going. The Islanders rookie was asked how it might feel when he takes the ice here on Friday for warmups before a crowd of Penguins fans who might view him, wearing their beloved No. 66, as . . . “Public enemy No. 1?” he said with a mischievous smile. “For me, Pittsburgh is the one city as a whole where I’m totally OK with them hating me. For wearing No. 66. Mario Lemieux is a hero, a pioneer for them there and for them to take it as disrespect is completely understandable. I think it’s everyone outside of Pittsburgh that should kind of get over it. But if they want to hate me for my career, they’re welcome to. I have no bad blood with them, they can have whatever they want with me.” “I definitely don’t think I’m helping it,” he said of the rivalry. “I can’t afford to think about that stuff. I’m sure when I get on the ice for warmups it’s not going to be a Ho-Sang friendly environment. For me, there’s so much more going on right now, despite what they want to do, say. We’re trying to make the playoffs. That’s the biggest thing for me. If I can be a little bit of a distraction, take the heat off the guys in that area, just be able to play, get two big points and get out of there. That’s the plan.”

Yeah, so get over it, Pens fans. Or we'll have Syndee spear you in the nuts. Or sever a finger.


Let's Go Islanders