Stefen Rosner on Morning Cuppa Hockey Talking Islanders ELMONT, NY -- Defenseman Alexander Romanov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/alexander-romanov-new-york-islanders-new-jersey-devils-jack-hughes-kurtis-macdermid-bo-horvat-anders-lee-patrick-roy] won't play when the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/alexander-romanov-new-york-islanders-new-jersey-devils-jack-hughes-kurtis-macdermid-bo-horvat-anders-lee-patrick-roy] host the Florida Panthers on Saturday night at UBS Arena. The 24-year-old was on the receiving end of a big hit from Devils forward Kurtis MacDermid: Romanov remained in the game, leveling Devils superstar Jack Hughes before earning a primary assist on Kyle Palmieri's go-ahead 3-2 goal in the second, which ultimately did not hold in a 4-3 overtime win: He refused stitches during the second intermission, remaining in the game, and was made available postgame. "He has an upper-body injury," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "But I'm going to put it to bed right away. It is not a concussion, and he will be day-to-day. We're not going to take any chances with it. He should be back in next game, without question." With Romanov out, that means Dennis Cholowski will play in his first NHL game since Jan. 19, 2023. In 117 games, the former 20th overall pick by the Detroit Red Wings in 2016 has 10 goals and 20 assists. This summer, Cholowski signed a one-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 and made the Islanders roster as the seventh defenseman.
