Injured Travis Hamonic unlikely to open against Capitals
Pittsburgh Penguins' Rob Scuderi collides with New York Islanders' Travis Hamonic during the first period of an NHL game in Pittsburgh on Friday, April 10, 2015. Credit: AP / Gene J. Puskar
Jack Capuano said there would be no more updates on Travis Hamonic's injury or availability for the start of the series, but it doesn't appear that the Isles defenseman will be available for the first two games here.
He did not skate again Tuesday. There was no word on whether he traveled with the Islanders for Game 1 Wednesday night, but his lineup replacement seemed to give an indication of what seemed certain.
"It's unfortunate Travis won't be here for the start of the series," Calvin de Haan said after the team practiced at Nassau Coliseum Tuesday. "It's an opportunity for me."
Hamonic suffered an apparent left-knee injury on a hit from the Penguins' Rob Scuderi on Friday and missed Saturday's regular-season finale. He was at the Coliseum for treatment while his teammates practiced.
"It's undisclosed and there's no timetable," Capuano said. "When there is, I'll let you know."
Cizikas 'ready' to go
Casey Cizikas came off the Coliseum ice after just a few minutes of Monday's practice, likely still feeling the effects of a hard hit from behind by the Blue Jackets' Jack Johnson in the opening period Saturday. But Cizikas was a full participant in Tuesday's practice and pronounced himself fit for duty in Game 1.
"I'm feeling good," he said. "Yeah, I'll be ready. No doubt about that."
Cizikas was in his usual spot between Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck, with Mikhail Grabovski centering a makeshift fifth line with Eric Boulton and Colin McDonald. Grabovski has been a solid contributor this season, but he's played only 51 games and none since he suffered a concussion Feb. 19.
