Bailey, Rakhshani to stay on same line
New York Islanders' Josh Bailey charges towards the puck during the second period. (Jan. 19, 2012) Credit: AP
OTTAWA -- Josh Bailey will team with Rhett Rakhshani again Friday night against the surprising Senators. The pairing, along with Matt Martin, generated some good jump and a few good scoring chances Tuesday night in Carolina.
But, as Bailey noted, "there's no stat for a good game. You need results in this league."
While John Tavares has continued his remarkable scoring run during the last 15 games, propelling him into the top 10 in league scoring and a player of the month award, the rest of the forwards have continued to scuffle. Bailey, like a few other Isles forwards who don't wear No. 91, improved his play in the last month but had two shorthanded goals to show for it. Bailey's last even-strength goal was 21 games ago.
Brian Rolston will sit for a second straight game and Rakhshani will try to give the Isles a more balanced attack.
"We were happy we created a few chances," Bailey said, "but it's disappointing to not get on the scoresheet. We could have changed the game."
Michael Grabner had yet another breakaway that was foiled, and the number of solo tries he's had this season without success are simply too many to recount here. His 14 goals are third on the team, but he's had only two non-empty-net goals in the last 18 games.
"When you get all the chances I've had and you don't score, it's just ridiculous," Grabner said. "We've got to help [Tavares] out. He's doing everything for us."
Notes & quotes:Evgeni Nabokov was the first goaltender off from the Islanders' practice at IceWorks Thursday and likely will get the start in goal Friday night. Nabokov started 15 of 17 games before the All-Star break but hasn't played since Jan. 23 in Toronto.
Wolski, Woywitka to AHL. Rangers forward Wojtek Wolski and defenseman Jeff Woywitka agreed to be sent to the AHL's Connecticut Whale on two-week conditioning assignments. Erik Christensen, who returned from a conditioning assignment last week, remains as the spare 13th forward. Defenseman Steve Eminger (separated shoulder) could return soon. Defenseman Michael Sauer (concussion) has been shut down.
