The New York Islanders have received some very positive news, as it sounds like captain Anders Lee has a serious shot at playing. He has been out of the lineup since tearing his ACL in mid-March.
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Lee, 30, had been skating for the past few weeks, but was thought by most to still be a longshot to return. At the time of his injury, which required surgery, the expectation was that he wouldn’t be back until training camp next fall, but that timeline has clearly been sped up. Though it hasn’t been confirmed he is playing tonight, he was practicing with the regulars today, which is usually a telling sign.
If the Islanders do indeed get Lee back, it will add a serious scoring threat to their lineup. He led his team in goals for three straight seasons from 2016-2019, and likely would have this year again had it not been for his injury. In 27 games this season he managed 12 goals and 19 points.
Normally, Lee would be a lock to play in the top six, but given how much time he has missed it will be interesting to see where head coach Barry Trotz inserts him assuming he is good to go. While his play may be rusty, just having him and his leadership on the bench will be a calming presence for the Islanders, who are on the verge of elimination tonight.
Islanders Need A Rebound Game
The Islanders have been one of the true feel good stories of this years postseason, as many didn’t expect them to even make it out of the first round against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not only were they able to knock off the Pens, but they too eliminated the Boston Bruins, who were once again considered favorites, in the second round. This matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning has proven to be more difficult, but aside from the 8-0 shellacking they took in Game 5 the series has been extremely even.
If the Islanders do stave off elimination tonight, they will play in Game 7 on Friday night and would have a chance to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1984. While beating the defending Stanley Cup champions in two straight games won’t be an easy task, this team has proven to be extremely resilient. Game 6 should be a doozy.
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