EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders hit the practice ice Thursday morning as they prepare for their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the first of a back-to-back.
The Islanders host the Buffalo Sabres Saturday evening.
There was concern over the status of forward and leading goal-scorer Brock Nelson, as he left before the end of the first period on Tuesday after being hit from behind by Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noel Acciari.
READ MORE: Nothing Coming for Noel Acciari After Questionable Hit on Brock Nelson
However, he was back on the ice as he seems to be just fine.
Here were the lines:
Anders Lee-Bo Horvat-Simon Holmstrom
Pierre Engvall-Brock Nelson-Kyle Palmieri
Zach-Parise-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Hudson Fasching
Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck
Extras: Josh Bailey, Ross Johnston
Adam Pelech-Scott Mayfield
Alexander Romanov-Ryan Pulock
Samuel Bolduc-Noah Dobson
Extras: Parker Wotherspoon
Ilya Sorokin
Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov came off the ice a step or two before Sorokin. We believe that Varlamov will get the start Friday, with Sorokin getting the nod Saturday.
Sebastian Aho was not on the ice as he is day-to-day with an upper-body injury after going down Saturday night against the San Jose Sharks.
We had a funny instance at practice as Lambert wanted to see shots hit the net, and if not, a RIGORIOUS workout was coming...
The Islanders power-play units were as followed (Net-Bumper-LW-RW-QB)
PP1: Lee-Palmieri-Horvat-Nelson-Dobson
PP2: Parise-Pageau-Pulock-Engvall-Bolduc
Nelson did need stitches, six above his right eye, but feels good and believes he will be good to go against the Columbus.
Lambert had no update on when Mathew Barzal will resume skating but he believes he is getting "closer."
Alexander Romanov is no longer wearing his full face shield, which he had worn since Feb. 5 after taking a puck to the face against the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 28.
More coming later over at The Hockey News regarding Brock Nelson's injury, with quotes from the man himself, Matt Martin and more.