Islanders face tough opening night test in Panthers
New York Islanders defenseman Robin Salo reacts after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers on Sept. 26, 2022. Credit: Noah K. Murray
The Islanders have been focusing on their own game since training camp opened on Sept. 22. Now, they have the revamped Panthers to worry about, too.
The teams open the regular season on Thursday night at UBS Arena.
“There’s a little bit of prep work,” coach Lane Lambert said after Tuesday’s hour-plus practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow. “Certainly, we have an idea of how they play and how they’re going to play. For the most part, it’s about our team and how we play. There’s different variables that come in to each opponent but if we take care of our game we feel pretty confident.”
The Panthers had an NHL-high 122 points last season but were swept in the second round by the Lightning. Interim coach Andrew Brunette was replaced by veteran bench boss Paul Maurice, and playmaker Matthew Tkachuk was acquired from the Flames at the cost of top-line wing Jonathan Huberdeau and top-four defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
“We’re preparing our game,” defenseman Ryan Pulock said. “We’ll start looking at them. But, right now, it’s dialing in those fine details and having ourselves prepared and ready. You play the Panthers the first game but then you move on after that. So you’ve just got to worry about having your game in place and then looking at their stuff when it’s time.
“[The Panthers] swapped out some top guys. They had a big year last year and they still have a really good team so it’s going to be a great test. They’re going to bring a little bit different of a look and we’ll see how that goes Thursday.”
The Islanders open with a four-game homestand and a bit of uncertainty about their lineup. Cal Clutterbuck (injured reserve/shoulder soreness) is not likely to be ready and it’s unclear whether defenseman Scott Mayfield (illness) will be able to play.
Clutterbuck and Mayfield both rejoined the team for Tuesday’s practice, but those two plus Oliver Wahlstrom remained on the ice afterward for extra work, a normal routine for players not in the lineup.
However, Mayfield did skate with Robin Salo — the Islanders’ projected third pair — during drills.
“It’s great to have him back,” said Salo, who would be paired with Sebastian Aho if Mayfield is unavailable. “He’s a really strong D. Solid and really smart. Great positioning.”
Salo, 23, made his NHL debut with 21 games for the Islanders last season. But Thursday would mark his first NHL season opener.
“It’s a new experience for me,” Salo said. “I wasn’t here when the season started last year. It’s kind of exciting. Then again, I’ve got to remember it’s a long season. I’ve got to be focused on every game.”
Notes & quotes: Anders Lee did not practice and Lambert said the captain was “unavailable.” However, Lambert said he expected Lee to be available for both Wednesday’s practice and Thursday’s opener.
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.
