NYHN Daily: Islanders Communication Issues, Honoring Hayes & More

The New York Islanders look to rebound from their 6-3 loss at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, as they face the Florida Panthers tonight. The puck will be dropped at Florida Live Arena at 6 PM ET, not the usual 7 PM start. While we don’t want to harp on the loss Thursday, there was a major issue with communication regarding the Islanders in their own zone.

This story and more in today’s daily links!

The New York Islanders were rather sloppy in all facets of their game in Thursday’s 6-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Islanders’ lack of communication and awareness in their own zone made life for netminder Ilya Sorokin rather tricky. (NYI Hockey Now)

Which Islanders lines worked in the opener? Which failed to do enough? Which Islanders need to do less? Arthur Staple answers these questions and more based on what he saw in Thursday’s loss. (The Athletic)

There was murmers that the Boston Bruins were close to coming to an agreemet with no.1 defensmean Charlie McAvoy. On Friday, pen was put to paper on a eight-year, $76 million deal. It is the richest deal in franchise history. (Boston Hockey Now)

The Pittsburgh Penguins have earned three out of a possible four points to start their season. They also were a part of a broadcasting record, when they faced the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Now the Chicago Blackhawks and Marc-Andre Fleury come to town for the Pen’s home-opener. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Florida Panthers rookie Anton Lundell made his NHL debut on Thursday night and played quite well in the 5-4 overtime win over the Penguins. The Panthers fans have been patiently waiting and they were not dissapointed. “Today was a pretty fun day” siad the rookie. (Florida Hockey Now)

The Washington Capitals were an excited bunch on Thursday when rookie Hendrix LaPierre scored his first career NHL goal. The youngster fought his way into a veteran lineup and a glimpse into the future, a bright one. (Washington Hockey Now)

Despite making it to the Stanley Cup Finals as the lowest rank seed last year, the Montreal Canadiens path back to the postseason has its obstacles. Shea Weber is out with a long-term injury while Carey Price is still rehabbing his injury. But if they want to get back to the postseason, losing to the Buffalo Sabres is not the way to do so. (Montreal Hockey Now)

After Dylan Larkin, captain of the Detroit Red Wings, is hit from behind by Lightning’s Matheiu Joseph, he decided to retaliate. While there was no call on Joseph for the illegal hit, NHL Player Safety has suspended Larkin one game for his actions. And he was certainly deserving of it. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Is it too early for the Vegas Golden Knights’ fans to panic? Yes. But there are certainly concerns, none bigger than the injury to team captain Mark Stone. And the injury to Alex Tuch. (Vegas Hockey Now)

Nathan Mackinnon (COVID-19) will not play on Saturday when the Colorado Avalanche host the St. Louis Blues. With Valeri Nichushkin week-to-week and Gabriel Landeskog suspended for two games, that means Jared Bednar will be without three of his top-six wingers. (Colorado Avalanche)

Brandon Dillon is two stops removed since his time with the San Jose Sharks. The fan favorite from 2014-2020 is set to make his return to San Jose for the first time since being dealt, now as a member of the Wininpeg Jets. (San Jose Hockey Now)

The Vancouver Canucks, who took a point in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers looked to be on the way to their first win of the season, but the Philadelphia Flyers overcame a deficit to force overtime. The game would need a a shootout, where the Canucks were able to take it. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

We are gearing up for the first battle of Alberta on Saturday, as the Calgary Falmes enter enemy territory to face the Edmonton Oilers. The building is expected to be rather loud as it has been a while since Canadian arenas allowed a packed crowd. (Calgary Hockey Now)

The New Jersey Devils defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in overtime in their season-opener. Jack Hughes sent their Jersey faithful home with his overtime tally, his second goal of the game. (NHL)

On Friday, the New Jersey Devils and Chicago Blackhawks honored the late Jimmy Hayes, who passed away this offseason at the age of 31. Both teams warmed up with “Broadway” on their nameplates, a nickname for Hayes, as well as a special decal on their helments. (NHL)

The Ottawa Senators have placed goaltender Matt Murray on IR the team announced on Friday. It seems to be an illness, but Murray said it was not COVID-19, as he tested negative multiple times. He can return next Thursday. (TSN)