The New York Islanders received some unfortunate news as they look to stay afloat in the crowded Metropolitan Division.
Forward Kyle Palmieri has suffered a torn ACL and will be out for the next six to eight months, the team announced Saturday.
The injury occurred in the second period of Friday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers when he fell awkwardly along the boards after a collision with defenceman Jamie Drysdale.
Despite being clearly hurt on the play, Palmieri got back to his skates and stole the puck from Flyers blue-liner Emil Andrae in the offensive zone to help set up a goal for Emil Heineman.
He would then skate off and return to the team’s locker room for further examination.
The 34-year-old Smithtown, N.Y., native has had a solid year on Long Island, tallying six points and 12 assists in 25 games.
One of the most durable players in the NHL, Palmieri had previously played 223 consecutive games with the Islanders before the injury.
