Mike Reilly is a healthy scratch for the first time since joining Islanders.
For the first time since joining the New York Islanders via waivers on Nov. 25, Mike Reilly is serving as a healthy scratch.
The 30-year-old has played in each of the last 24 games for New York, with three goals and six assists, averaging 16:16 minutes per game.
From a waiver-wire pickup to a staple in the lineup, Reilly has been a spark on the backend, using his skating and IQ to help the Islanders transition game.
But, while the Islanders have struggled -- losers of their last four games -- Reilly hasn't been at his best.
In the Islanders 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, Reilly took two penalties and head coach Lane Lambert hinted at a possible line change during Thursday's practice.
The Islanders didn't run lines Friday morning, but when warmups took place Friday night at United Center, Reilly was indeed out of the lineup.
Samuel Bolduc, the 23-year-old second-year NHLer, has a goal and two assists in 29 games, averaging 17:41 minutes per game.
This is Bolduc's first game since Jan. 6 against the Vegas Golden Knights.