Islanders expected to bring up Martin, Joensuu

In a move to bring more size and physical play around the net, the Islanders are expected to recall Bridgeport power forwards Matt Martin and Jesse Joensuu in time for practice Monday.

Both are big bodies with offensive upside, something the Islanders have sorely lacked in their seven-game losing streak. The Islanders have been outscored 27-9 during the skid and have not scored more than two goals in their last eight games (after scoring 34 goals in the eight games before that).

"It's an opportunity for them to come up here and see where they are as far as their development," coach Scott Gordon said. "Both those guys are big guys, but they can play with the puck, too."

The Islanders' need for toughness in the crease was obvious in their 3-1 loss to Carolina on Saturday night. Hurricanes goalie Justin Peters made his NHL debut in the game. "We didn't have much traffic in front of him," Matt Moulson said. "He saw almost every shot. Knowing him, he's going to make those saves, especially if he sees every shot."

Martin, a fifth-round pick in 2008, has nine goals and nine assists in 53 games for the Sound Tigers. Gordon said he was struck by his improved skating. " did a real good job at getting him to play out of his comfort zone," he said. "He's skating lower to the ice, generating more power and getting to places quicker than in training camp."

Joensuu, who has one goal in seven games for the Islanders this season, will get a second chance to prove himself. The 6-4, 207-pound Finn has 11 goals and 22 assists in 46 games for Bridgeport.

After a disappointing training camp, he succeeded at Bridgeport by simplifying his game. "Those games he played with us, there was a noticeable difference," Gordon said.

When asked if an infusion of young players can spark the team or at least provide a reality check, Gordon said he hopes his players are more motivated than to need such a thing. "If you need an outside source to jump-start you,'' he said, "you may find yourself having a jump-start from the stands rather than on the ice."

To make room for Martin and Joensuu, the Islanders will put Josh Bailey (upper body) on injured reserve, retroactive to Jan. 31, when he was hurt against Florida.