The New York Islanders have been patiently waiting to begin their 2023-24 season. But now, the season opener is just a day away, as Friday's skate served as a dress rehearsal.
Islanders Ready To Roll
EAST MEADOW, NY -- The New York Islanders have been patiently waiting to begin their 2023-24 season. But now, the season opener is just a day away, as Friday's skate served as a dress rehearsal for their Saturday matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.
NOTES:
- Simon Holmstrom will be the Islanders' top-line right winger, as Mathew Barzal remained on the left side, where he feels more comfortable
- Oliver Wahlstrom was an extra yet again, as the 23-year-old continues to get back up to game speed after tearing his ACL last December.
- Alexander Romanov took a puck up high doing penalty-kill work, but he's completely fine.
- Ryan Pulock remained in the one-time position on the second power-play unit, telling The Hockey News that he's going to take a little off the shot to increase accuracy.
- Head coach Lane Lambert would not confirm that Ilya Sorokin will get the start on Saturday, but we know he will be in between the pipes
QUOTES:
"I think everybody's looking forward to getting started. Get to see where we're at. We have had enough of practice." -- Lane Lambert
"Time to get this thing rolling. We put in what we needed to put in, and now we can finally kick it off tomorrow."-- Anders Lee