New York Notables: Poulin Recalled

New York Islander Fan Central | 3/28/2012 06:53:00 PM | | | |
New York recalled Kevin Poulin on Wednesday, David Ullstrom was listed on practice lines.

Nabokov is out with a lower body injury and a contract for next season so despite being on bench in third period against Pens, it's possible they may shut him down for the rest of the season. 

Anders Nilsson is still out with his sprained ankle in Bridgeport as of March 17th, for now they have the goaltender on an amateur tryout contract in Dan Clarke. The early projection when Nilsson got hurt was seven to ten days.

New York has games Saturday/Sunday.

Bridgeport has three games this weekend with huge playoff implications.

Mikko Koskinen (on loan) is participating in the playoffs with his team up 3-1 in their series. Beyond one video nine days ago of Rick DiPietro there is nothing to suggest he is ready to return to practice much less play a hockey game.

Cody Rosen to the best of our knowledge has played one game for Clarkson.
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What's Next:
Round two with Pittsburgh and likely Al Montoya's chance to see if he can continue to elevate his game.

Not surprised at all with what happened in Pittsburgh besides how Fleury played.

All teams hit the wall after a long winning streak which we wrote about before the game. Ottawa had eight goals against the Pens, the signs were there despite the Sunday win for Pittsburgh. 

The second half against Florida was a sign the Isles had some extra jump to their game.

Isles should have had a few early in the third and put them away handily. The shots against seemed very inflated.

Comments for that game are on twitter.

Unless Montoya struggles or the Pens are on the power-play a lot, I expect another very competitive game against Pittsburgh. 
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Lottery Watch:
One point by Buffalo eliminates New York from playoff contention.  The trends suggest Minnesota (first in Western Conference in December) will not catch the Isles. Toronto could well fall past the Isles.

As written last week trends mean nothing. 

New York needs seven points to match their best season since their last playoff team. At best it will be statistical progression. The club has not had a five hundred season since 2006-07.

The win in Pittsburgh matches last seasons point total. 

Our thoughts have been you miss the playoffs x years in a row, your franchise should not be awarded a lottery pick at all.

However this blog does not make the rules.

The NHL lottery is April 10th.