Rolston: Lack of production hurts

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Brian Rolston currently is 78th in NHL history with 1,227 games played, so there haven't been too many nights in his 18-year career like Tuesday night, when he was a healthy scratch for the first time as an Islander.

He understands why he sat out though -- even at 38, he was expected to contribute more than the four goals and four assists he has now.

"Obviously, I haven't been producing," Rolston said Tuesday afternoon. "I think [the coaching staff] lost a little bit of confidence in me early in the season, but the bottom line is, you've got to produce."

Rolston was thought to be a good fit on the Isles' power play, with his big shot. But he didn't do enough there in the first month of the season and was bumped to second-unit duty. He's been playing lately with Josh Bailey and Matt Martin in more of a checking role, not well-suited to his game.

"I've tried to be solid defensively, not be a minus player," he said. "And we haven't been getting many power plays. There's a few factors there, but I take full responsibility for not producing more."

"You never really want to count the days, you just try to stay ready," Staios said.

C Marty Reasoner (broken thumb) joined the team on the road trip and skated Tuesday morning. He's still roughly two weeks away from being ready to return.