Could Fasching be ready to go on Sunday?
East Meadow, NY -- After missing five games with a lower body and a handful of practices, Hudson Fasching joined his New York Islanders teammates at their outdoor practice at MetLife Stadium on Thursday.
The 28-year-old forward fell victim to a lower-body injury in the second period of a 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens on Jan. 25 after crashing awkwardly into the boards before leaving the game.
"I've just been recovering ever since," Fasching told The Hockey News following Thursday's 15-minute skate.
"Excited to be back, obviously. It's a big game to be ready for, at the very least."
Fasching continued to take strides, taking part in Friday's skate at Northwell Ice Center, but did not take part in line rushes.
THN asked Islanders head coach Patrick Roy about Fasching and what he saw, but the bench boss was honest.
"I didn't pay too much attention. I'm sorry, I have enough to worry about," Roy said. "I want the structure to be as good as it can be. And I want our fundamentals to be as good as they can be. Our therapist does a super job with our guys. He's a phenomenal therapist.
"When he's ready, he's gonna tell me."
It sounds like Fasching isn't 100 percent there just yet, but he also doesn't look limited on the ice.
Oliver Wahlstrom, who has played in each of the last five games, hasn't done much to solidify himself in the lineup, despite taking strides under Roy in terms of positioning and shooting.
It's clear, per the words and actions of general manager Lou Lamoriello and Roy, that Wahlstrom is going to get a good look.
And it's also clear that Fasching -- who suffered an injury late in training camp -- hasn't been quite himself this season after forcing his way into the starting lineup a season ago.
With Julien Gauthier banged up in Bridgeport, the only likely replacement for Wahlstrom on Sunday would be Fasching if he is healthy.
When Roy got Wahlstrom into the lineup after making him sit the first three games, he wanted to make sure the young forward understood everything being asked of him.
Fasching did play in three games for Roy and took part in the practices, but that doesn't mean that the second-year Islander is all caught up with Roy's changes.
He has three goals and five assists for eight points in 35 games this season.
We are expecting the Islanders to practice Saturday morning so we will get more clarity on Fasching's availability then.