Bergenheim's return will force roster move

The trio of goaltenders splitting practice time between two nets is no longer the Islanders’ only logistical obstacle. With Sean Bergenheim ready to return, the team must make a roster decision to accommodate his addition to the lineup.

Bergenheim, who has not played since a rib injury Dec. 8, seems healthy enough to play, and coach Scott Gordon has confirmed as much, describing Bergenheim as “close to 100 percent as he can be.”

In order to activate Bergenheim, the Islanders must exercise one of several options to make room on their roster.

Gordon has already ruled out the easiest move — sending defenseman Andrew MacDonald back down to Bridgeport. MacDonald’s impressive play has warranted a regular spot in the lineup and Gordon said he’d be reluctant to remove him despite the delicate roster situation.

The Islanders can also waive a player to make space for Bergenheim, but they seem unwilling to explore that route. Though Jeff Tambellini and defenseman Freddy Meyer have both been healthy scratches for significant chunks of time this season, Gordon said, “We don’t want to just give a player away.”

Barring a trade, the Islanders’ only other option would be to place another player on injured reserve.

That appeared possible Monday, with defenseman Brendan Witt absent from practice for a medical evaluation on his calf. When asked whether he thought Witt’s injury was significant, however, Gordon seemed confident it was not.

“No, I don’t think so,” Gordon said. “I talked to [head trainer Garrett Timms] and he hasn’t led me to believe so. [His calf] has been tightening up on him and that’s it.”

Despite Gordon’s skepticism, Witt’s designation to injured reserve remains the most likely outcome. Witt’s prognosis could be more serious than expected, neatly coinciding with Bergenheim’s return to health and enabling the energetic winger to play Tuesday night against Detroit.

“I have no idea,” Bergenheim said when asked if he’d play Tuesday night. “I can’t answer that. It’s the same situation as before. I just don’t know. I feel really good. I’m just eager to play.”

Notes & quotes: Gordon said goaltender RickRick DiPietrogoaltender Rick DiPietro will play a game this week. Gordon also said the goalie rotation is now essentially between just Dwayne Roloson and DiPietro and he’ll have to strike some sort of balance on how to use both of them. “We have to get Rick going, but we also have to be smart about it.”