Islanders Update on Player Injuries
Before their game against the Stars on Thursday, the Islanders announced that Tony DeAngelo is expected to be sidelined for one to two weeks due to a lower-body injury.
DeAngelo suffered the injury while trying to defend against an odd-man rush during Tuesday’s match against the Blackhawks, which ended in a 4-3 loss for the Islanders. He left the game early in the first period and did not return.
On a brighter note, Ryan Pulock made his return after missing two games with a lower-body issue. Following a 2-1 victory at UBS Arena, Pulock expressed his relief. “I felt like I could have improved a little bit like yesterday, but I felt good this morning,” he shared, having logged nearly 21 minutes on the ice. “As long as I can help this team, of course I’m going to go.”
Despite DeAngelo’s absence, the Islanders adjusted their lineup, with Carson Soucy stepping into DeAngelo’s regular position alongside Adam Pelech. Meanwhile, Scott Mayfield was positioned offside to the left of Adam Boqvist.
If DeAngelo’s recovery takes the full two weeks, it’s reasonable to assume that they might need to call on George, who was brought up as the seventh defenseman earlier this week.
Interestingly, Thursday marked the first time since a shoulder injury inflicted by Mikko Rantanen that Alexander Romanov participated in full team skates. Romanov had undergone surgery that initially sidelined him for five to six months. He was spotted in a non-contact jersey, hinting at a promising recovery. Still, Roy noted that while playoffs remain a possibility, Romanov isn’t expected to return during the current season.
“I’m sure he’s excited,” Roy commented. “First of all, it’s fun to watch him play there… It’s fun for the players to see him come back… I’m not saying he’s going to play tonight, but he’ll be here to enjoy it with everyone, and I’m sure he’ll feel good.”
Meanwhile, Rantanen didn’t take the ice for the Stars due to an ongoing injury sustained during the Olympics but is traveling with the team in hopes of returning soon.
