Mike Mottau to see specialist in ATL for eye injury/stay overnight in hospital again

 Islander defenseman Mike Mottau, who stayed overnight in a hospital last night after suffering an eye injury during the team's 2-1 loss to the Thrashers, was scheduled to see a specialist today in Atlanta.  Although the result of the appointment/prognosis is not immediately known, Mottau will stay overnight again tonight and remain in Atlanta  until further notive.

Mottau received stitches to repair the cuts around his eye and has experienced significant swelling, according to his agent.

The 32-year-old veteran went down hard after being hit in the right eye by Zach Bogosian's shot with 3:48 in the first period.

With Mottau's absence, the Islanders will have to bring up a defenseman from Bridgeport for practice tomorrow.

Newsday's Arthur Staple is covering the story , so follow him on Twitter @StapeNewsday for more throughout the day.