Josh Bailey a healthy scratch, Ross Johnston gets call for Islanders
Islanders right wing Josh Bailey sets before a face off against the Blue Jackets in the second period of an NHL game at UBS Arena on Saturday. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
OTTAWA — Longtime lineup stalwart Josh Bailey was a healthy scratch for the second time this season as the Islanders beat the Senators, 4-2, on Monday at Canadian Tire Centre.
But coach Lane Lambert said the move was more about inserting the 6-5, 230-pound Ross Johnston into the lineup than any issues with Bailey’s play.
“Josh has been fine,” Lambert said. “We wanted someone who was more physical for this game against this team.”
Bailey has three goals and two assists in 15 games and has only one assist in his last five.
He also was a healthy scratch Oct. 22 in a 5-3 loss at Tampa Bay that delayed his milestone 1,000th game by two days.
Johnston logged 8:40 with three hits and fought Austin Watson in the first period.
Early start
Monday’s faceoff was set for 5:30 p.m. to allow fans to also watch Daniel Alfredsson’s Hockey Hall of Fame induction in Toronto on the arena scoreboard after the game.
Fans were invited to remain in their seats after the game and the induction ceremonies were shown on the arena scoreboard.
“It’s different, but it’s not anything that’s earth-shattering,” Lambert said of the unusual starting time.
Local product
Senators coach D.J. Smith had kind words for Franklin Square’s Shane Pinto, who missed all but five games last season because of a shoulder injury. Pinto, who turned 22 Saturday, has eight goals and one assist in 15 games and was the NHL’s rookie of the month in October. “Missing last year was tough,” Smith said. “But he can really shoot the puck. He’s going to be a good player for a long time.”
Isles files
The Islanders are 6-0-0 when scoring the opening goal . . . With two assists, Mathew Barzal became the first Islander with 18 assists through his first 17 games since 1984.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
