Michael Dal Colle sent back down to Bridgeport, Fritz called up
Michael Dal Colle #28 of the New York Islanders skates during the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Barry Trotz is certain that Michael Dal Colle, selected fifth overall in 2014, will grow more comfortable with each successive opportunity in the NHL.
The rookie left wing’s second stint with the Islanders ended when he was reassigned to Bridgeport (AHL) and center Tanner Fritz, 27, was recalled before the Isles’ 4-1 win over the Hurricanes on Saturday night at Barclays Center.
Dal Colle, 22, recalled on Nov. 15, went without a point in two games and was a healthy scratch for the second time in Friday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Devils. He was scoreless in four games last season.
“He’s played a trustworthy game,” said Trotz, noting that he used Dal Colle on the fourth line while he is a top-six forward for Bridgeport. “The more that he’s up, the more that he’ll feel comfortable. But you can tell the pace is a lot different.”
Fritz, who started the season with the Islanders with an assist in two games, logged 8:24 in between Ross Johnston and Cal Clutterbuck on the fourth line.
Be the best
The expectation for Nick Leddy, who played in his 600th NHL game on Saturday, is no secret to him. “I keep telling him the way for us to be successful is for him to be our best defenseman,” Trotz said.
The offensive-minded Leddy, 27, ended a 31-game goal drought with a highlight-reel end-to-end rush against the Devils. He’s also worked to improve defensively after being an NHL-worst minus-42 last season.
Leddy said he is trying to be more of a shooter and have less of a “pass-first mentality.” He embraces Trotz’s expectation.
“Yeah, inside myself, I would like that,” Leddy said. “I try to be the best defenseman every night. Some nights you won’t be.”
Isles files
Josh Bailey had his team-leading sixth multi-point game . . . Matt Martin (upper body/injured reserve) missed his 10th straight game . . . Johnston fought Carolina’s Trevor Carrick at 5:11 of the second period . . . Defenseman Luca Sbisa and center Stephen Gionta were the healthy scratches.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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