The New York Islanders took the ice on Sunday morning ahead of their matchup against the Colorado Avalanche.
SHABANOV RETURNS
Max Shabanov will make his return after an upper-body injury sidelined him for 12 games. Sunday marked his third consecutive skate with the team as he was recovering – he skated for the first time during Wednesday’s practice in Vegas wearing a red non-contact jersey, which he shed the next day for morning skate.
The Russian winger will play on a line with Casey Cizikas and Cal Ritchie. Shabanov has three points (1G, 2A) in six games for the Isles. Shabanov skated with the second power play unit on the right half wall in morning skate, which was his spot before his injury, which Head Coach Patrick Roy said that Shabanov sustained in the game against the Ottawa Senators on Oct. 16 and played through until Oct. 21 against San Jose.
“The game against Ottawa, he was outstanding,” Roy said. “He made some great plays. The two hits he took, he stayed in the game and played in the following game, realized he couldn’t take it anymore. But I’m very impressed with him and I really look forward to see how he’s going to play tonight.”
As a result, Max Tsyplakov will be a healthy scratch, in addition to Kyle MacLean. Tysplakov has one goal through 12 games for the Isles.
MAYFIELD DRAWS BACK IN
Scott Mayfield rejoined the team for the road trip after missing two games for the birth of his first child with his wife Emily. Mayfield, who has three assists through 16 games this season, will play on a pair with Alexander Romanov.
“Everyone’s good,” Mayfield said. “It’s been a crazy week, it’s been fun.”
On the hockey side of things, Mayfield said he missed some exciting games – the Islanders got their second and third straight OT win when he was out – but he’s feeling good and ready to contribute.
Adam Boqvist will come out of the lineup as a result. Boqvist has four blocked shots and one hit through six games this season.
PROJECTED LINEUP
Emil Heineman – Bo Horvat – Kyle Palmieri
Jonathan Drouin – Mathew Barzal – Simon Holmstrom
Anders Lee – JG Pageau – Anthony Duclair
Casey Cizikas – Cal Ritchie – Max Shabanov
Matthew Schaefer – Ryan Pulock
Adam Pelech – Tony DeAngelo
Alexander Romanov – Scott Mayfield
Ilya Sorokin
