The New York Islanders could have gotten back defenseman Johnny Boychuk Saturday as the veteran defenseman was available to play, according to Newsday’s Andrew Gross. Boychuk appeared to hurt his shoulder when he took a hit from Philadelphia’s Jakub Voracek last week, but Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said that Boychuk could have played. However, with the defense having played so well against Montreal Thursday, Trotz elected to keep the same six on defense against Detroit. He could play Sunday, however.
The team could also get back Casey Cizikas on Sunday as well. The Islanders named him a late scratch after he suffered a lower-body injury in warmups before Saturday’s game. The 28-year-old, who is having a career year, was suffering from a stomach flu several weeks ago and still hasn’t recovered from it.
“I was expecting him to play,” Trotz said. “We’re at that point in the year where we have to make sure with our players. He’s been pretty worn out. He lost a lot of weight.”
- The Columbus Blue Jackets announced that captain Nick Foligno did not travel with the team to Boston for their game today against Boston for personal reasons, but add that the personal reason doesn’t have anything to do with his daughter’s recent surgery. Foligno, who has 16 goals and 30 points this season, is expected to be back in the lineup soon. Foligno has missed some time this year due to the health of his now-five year-old daughter, who had to undergo a procedure in December/January. The Blue Jackets next play on Tuesday in Calgary.
- SportsDay’s Gerry Fraley writes that the Dallas Stars hope to have goaltender Ben Bishop back soon. The goaltender, who has been sidelined with a lower-body injury which he sustained Thursday at Minnesota, has been red-hot lately, having gone 230 minutes and 53 seconds without allowing a goal, a club record. Despite the fact that his injury improved the following day and had no difficulty walking out of the arena that night, the team opted to bench Bishop Friday against Vegas. However, the team hopes to get him back real soon as Dallas is currently on the outside looking in when it comes to making the playoffs. “I think he’s just being smart,” said Dallas head coach Jim Montgomery. “He’s trying to make sure it doesn’t become a two-week thing.”
Hope all is well with Foligno. He seems like one of the few true nice guys in the league.
JD he maybe a nice guy but he sucks as a a player . Nothing more then a third liner in his career. But then again I shouldn’t be surprised how excited anyone that wears that Big O gets you going.
Dallas is currently in a playoff spot. They are outside the top 3, but are in a WC spot.
I’ve been ignoring all your posts troll. But why am I not surprised that you use this article to troll? Have some class or decency. I know you haven’t shown it in the month since you’ve found this website, but it’s really not asking too much, is it?
Yes Goat he sucks… that’s why he’s in the NHL ffs. I’m not a fan of Foligno but to sa he sucks at hockey is just outrageous haha
JD, back to the name calling again. That’s the best you’ve got. I’ve been on this site for awhile. When some lacks the sports knowledge that you do especially being a sens fan. You were asking questions about contracts in another forum. Learn the game starting at an early age. Sens army is a joke!