Lin story on back burner for Wishart
Defenseman Ty Wishart may be one of the few New Yorkers not interested in the Jeremy Lin saga. (Feb. 5, 2011) Credit: Getty Images
WINNIPEG, Canada -- To his credit, Ty Wishart has been so focused on his hockey that he is one person who has not been the least bit swept up in Lin-sanity.
"I'm not a huge sports fanatic," said the Islanders defenseman who was called up Monday from Bridgeport.
Still, Wishart heard enough about Jeremy Lin to know that the Knick has become a sensation after having been let go by two organizations and languishing on the bench. Wishart has been let go by two organizations and has spent the season in the minors.
"You hear about those stories and it's extra motivation," he said. "You see a guy like that come out of nowhere and jump into the bigs like that, it does add a little extra incentive."
Coach Jack Capuano said Wishart, not in the lineup last night, was brought up not only as insurance for a depleted defense. "Competition as well," he said. "If other guys don't do their jobs, then Ty will get an opportunity."
Repeating his lines
Even though his team had scored only four regulation-time goals in the previous four games, Capuano was not looking to overhaul his lines. "You have to coach what you have," he said after the morning skate. "There could be a little tweak here and there, but for the most part, we have some guys who grind it out and we have other guys who make the best of their opportunities."
Isles files
Marty Reasoner was dressed for the first time since breaking his hand Jan. 6 . . . The Islanders and local fans were disappointed that Travis Hamonic, who grew up near here, had not recovered sufficiently from surgery to make the trip.
