The Islanders bounced back from a weaker home return performance against the Blues to pull out a shootout win in the double-shutout meeting with the Kraken, but hanging in the background is injury news to two significant players.
Alex Romanov was not having a good season thus far, but the 5-6-month prognosis removes any chance of him returning this regular season to the important role and contributions he had last season. As odd as it sounds, it may not have an immediate impact but it should have a long-term one. We’ll see how things shake out with Adam Boqvist getting a regular turn or, if that doesn’t work out, Marshall Warren maybe getting another look, or maybe a different option such as NHL vet Ethan Bear.
The other significant news has a shorter “week to week” prognosis, but that could still be a longer-term concern for a 33-year-old whose injuries have impacted his effectiveness over the last few seasons. Pageau was off to a really good start this season, showing life, being a great penalty killer, resuming his shorthanded bromance with Simon Holmstrom. You hope this isn’t a lingering thing.
On the bright side, the Pageau injury would seem to cement that Calum Ritchie will be here to stay, a big step for him and important development for the Isles if he keeps it up.
Last night’s scores include the Blue Jackets losing to the Capitals and the Rangers winning, unfortunately (of course the Blues beat the Isles in regulation and then wilt in Manhattan). Oh and Logan Cooley scored four.