Leo Komarov takes his regular spot on Islanders' third line vs. Golden Knights
New York Islanders center Leo Komarov looks on during a face-off against the Montreal Canadiens in the second period of an NHL hockey game at Barclays Center on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Right wing Leo Komarov was unable to participate in the Islanders’ morning skate and was considered a game-time decision because of what coach Barry Trotz described as “stiffness.”
But Komarov, 31, in the first season of a four-year, $12-million deal, took his regular spot on Valtteri Filppula’s third line during the pre-game warmups and was in the lineup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night at Barclays Center. He has yet to miss a game.
Meanwhile during warmups, Josh Ho-Sang, 22, stickhandled by himself at center ice, on his way to a second straight healthy scratch since being recalled from Bridgeport (AHL) on Sunday.
But Ho-Sang, whose last NHL game was Dec. 14, 2017, understands his role.
“I’m just looking forward to the chance to potentially play,” Ho-Sang said. “I’m here for backup.
“I’m not here to prove anything, really,” Ho-Sang added. “You just want to step on the ice and have some fun.”
Ho-Sang, selected 28th overall in 2014, has two goals and 20 assists in 26 games for Bridgeport.
“My coaches down there are really good about helping me and giving me the opportunity to get better.”
Not skating yet
Left wing Andrew Ladd (lower body) missed his 13th straight game since being placed on injured reserve Nov. 15 and being declared out indefinitely. Trotz said there is no update to that timeline yet and Ladd has yet to resume skating.
“He’s doing his therapy and protocols but I don’t have a timeframe,” Trotz said. “It’s all off the ice.”
Isles files
Forward Tom Kuhnhackl (undisclosed) missed his third straight game…Defenseman Luca Sbisa, who had two goals and 12 assists in 30 regular-season games for Vegas last season and added four assists in 12 playoff games, was out of the Islanders’ lineup for the 11th straight game.
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.
