Jack Capuano suggested there could be changes in tonight’s Islanders lineup for Game 4 and judging by who stayed on for extra work at this morning’s optional skate, that would appear to be the case.
Ryan Pulock pronounced himself ready to return from an upper-body injury that has sidelined him since late in Game 4 of the opening round series against the Panthers. Marek Zidlicky, who entered the lineup when Pulock exited, stayed on for some extra conditioning work, an indication that Pulock could be ready to return.
“We’ll see what happens tonight, but it feels good,” Pulock said.
Capuano said he was not likely to break up his second defense pair of Calvin de Haan and Johnny Boychuk, which had trouble with Tampa‘s forwards in Game 3. That would mean Pulock would pair with Thomas Hickey tonight.
Ryan Strome could be back after a one-game absence as a healthy scratch up front. Strome did not take part in the morning skate — if he were injured that would be a bad sign, but since Strome is healthy, it was likely a good sign as most regulars decline to skate in the morning if they are playing.
Alan Quine, who went from late-season call-up to first-line left wing this series, stayed on the ice for conditioning work so he would likely come out of the lineup for Strome‘s return.
That switch also would prompt some line juggling. Brock Nelson, who had a rough time in Game 3, could take Quine’s spot on the left side with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo, while Strome would center Shane Prince and Steve Bernier. Strome is not a left wing so he wouldn’t jump into Quine’s spot with Tavares and Okposo.
..... - Newsday