Another Look At Islanders' Adam Boqvist's Injury vs. Kings

New York Islanders defenseman Adam Boqvist was unable to return to Tuesday night's game against the Los Angeles Kings after taking a hit from Kevin Fialia with 15:13 to go in the second period.

After dumping the puck into the Kings' zone, Boqvist took contact a few seconds later and it doesn't seem he had any idea that Fiala was coming. 

He didn't brace for impact, leading to what appears to be an upper-body injury:

Many say it's a clean hit. Some say it was a late hit. Some say it was high. 

It's certainly unfortunate, whichever way you look at it. 

And one has to think that Boqvist ended up in concussion protocol given how his head/neck were quickly trusted to the left. 

Since the Islanders claimed Boqvist off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Jan. 31, the 24-year-old pending restricted free agent has earned his minutes. 

His offensive mind and skating ability have been precisely what head coach Patrick Roy has been looking for, allowing him to surpass Scott Mayfield on the depth chart. 

All signs point to Boqvist earning, potentially a starting role for the rest of the season, and maybe being included in next season's plans.

If Boqvist does have to miss time, with the Islanders back in action on Friday night against the Edmonton Oilers, we likely see Mayfield come in. 

But could we see Scott Perunovich for the first time since Feb. 25?

Or, is it time to get Mike Reilly back into a game for the first time since Nov. 1?

The Islanders certainly have options, but the clear hope is that Boqvist is okay. 

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