The Islanders begin their life — well, technically it began late in the first period in Toronto Saturday — with two more regulars out as they host the Ducks and Tough Negotiator Pat Verbeek on Long Island Tuesday.
The prognosis for the two newest injuries is not as bad as it could’ve been, but opposite what I at least expected. Center Cal Ritchie, who skated off on his own power, is expected to miss four to six weeks, while winger Matias Maccelli, who needed help off the ice and down the hall, is listed as two to four weeks.
Of course, with Mat Barzal still out despite “maybe being ready by opening weekend,” we’ll view all prognoses with even more suspicion than usual.
Regardless, Mitchell Chaffee gets the emergency recall and Kyle MacLean gets a turn in the lineup.
First Islanders Goal picks go here.
Islanders News
- Gross: while there is fan clamoring and interest in seeing young prospects, it’s the right call to use Chaffee and, sigh, MacLean. [Newsday]
- These injuries are really going to test the Isles’ depth, which now sees Brayden Schenn shift to center. [Post]
- Pete DeBoer talks about withstanding injuries, Chaffee talks the thrill of getting the call. [Isles]
- This week’s Islanders Anxiety is light on anxiety and high on appreciation for the performance in Toronto. [LHH]
- Prospect Report: Goals for Poletin and points for Dravecky. [Isles]
Oh, but speaking of the Barzal situation, which gets more concerning by the week:
DeBoer says no update on Mathew Barzal being able to rejoin teammates for practice. Says process can’t and won’t be rushed with Maccelli/Ritchie hurt.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 19, 2026
Elsewhere
- The Ducks endured a 15-hour trip across the continent and then lost handily to the Rangers. [NHL]
- Joel Quenneville called out the Ducks’ top players, so look for a fiery response tonight. [Sportsnet]
- That gutless puke has been extended to coach the Senators through 2031. [NHL]
- The Flyers beat the Avalanche, winning two games since Kurtz said a coach firing was surely coming. [NHL]
- The Jets players (and coach) are in wait-and-see mode with Connor Hellebuyck’s suspension reportedly coming to an end. [NHL]
- Elliotte Friedman says expect either a Hellebuyck trade, or the team paying him to not come back. Buffalo, Utah and Carolina loom. [Sportsnet]
- Emily Kaplan says three teams are int he mix but did not name them. [ESPN]