Rakhshani: Bailey has handled demotion well

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Although Rhett Rakhshani led Bridgeport with 24 points (10 goals, 14 assists) in 27 games before his recall Monday and could cleanly replace Matt Moulson in the lineup as a right wing, one would think Josh Bailey's 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in eight games would warrant consideration as well.

"There wasn't too much talk of that," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said before last night's game.

Since being demoted to Bridgeport Nov. 24, Bailey has excelled. He is averaging 11/2 points a game and scored a shorthanded goal to tie the score with eight seconds remaining in regulation during the Sound Tigers' 4-3 shootout loss to Worcester Saturday night. He also is a plus-five.

"Josh has accepted where he is right now and is playing extremely well in all three zones," Capuano said.

Rakhshani, who played on a line with Bailey and Jeremy Colliton, raved about his teammate.

"I think he's been doing awesome with us. He's a great teammate, a great player. He's been clutch and made some great plays to get us an extra- goal lead at the end of game and things like that," Rakhshani said. "He's been a good leader, positive and hasn't sulked at all for being there. He's stepped up as a leader and done a good job."

Isles files

Defenseman Mark Eaton, who suffered a groin injury during the first period of the Islanders' 5-4 loss to Atlanta Saturday, will be out one to two weeks . . . Defenseman Radek Martinek missed his second straight game with an injury to his left arm. Fellow blue-liner Andrew MacDonald donned the "A" in Martinek's place.