Unfortunately for the Islanders, Cizikas is hurt again. Kyle MacLean is coming back up.
Unfortunately for the Islanders, Cizikas is hurt again. Kyle MacLean is coming back up.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- After seeing New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas block a shot off the left hand early in the third period of their 5-4 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night, it was likely he was going to have to miss some time.
Immediately, the mind shifted over to Kyle MacLean, the 24-year-old center who made his NHL debut and played six games in Cizikas' spot before the All-Star break.
He played well in his first NHL stint and, per the organization, is back up with the Islanders.
MacLean's first NHL stint now proves critical, given that he will be relied upon again to play that trustworthy brand of hockey with the Islanders fighting to stay in the playoff picture.
MacLean knows what he has to do to be effective.
To make room for MacLean, forward Hudson Fasching has been placed on LTIR retroactive to Jan. 25.