Top Shelf – Islanders Daily 11/14/13

Nov 2, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie

(60) makes a save against the Boston Bruins during the third period of a game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Islanders beat the Bruins 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight the New York Islanders take on the Los Angeles Kings at home, in what may be a contest of two teams missing key players.

The Isles might be without captain John Tavares and recently acquired winger Thomas Vanek, while the Kings will likely be without starting goaltender Jonathan Quick. All three players suffered injuries this week and will likely sit out tonight’s contest.

Regardless of who ends up playing for the Islanders, the team will need to build on the momentum of Tuesday night’s win over the Nashville Predators. Backup goalie Kevin Poulin played well in net, possibly well enough to earn his third consecutive start tonight against Los Angeles.

If Poulin gets the nod, is he the Isles’ new starting netminder? All signs point to…definitely maybe, but probably yes. We think.

Stay tuned to Eyes On Isles for a full pregame report later today, and be sure to check back after the game for our Snap Shots feature recapping all of the on-ice action.

-Mike (@MichaelWillhoft)

In Case You Missed It

A New Era Begins In Buffalo With An Isles Connection (Eyes On Isles)

The Bridge Report: Ness Gets His Chance (Isles Talk)

John Tavares Could Be Sidelined Thursday Night (Newsday)

Chrome Suits The Isles (NY Islanders)

With Quick Hurt, Kings Recall Jones (Pro Hockey Talk)

Two Minutes For Tweeting

Is there a better way to kick off the morning than by announcing that it’s Isles gameday? (Answer: no.)

Team speed is one of the Isles’ attributes. Unfortunately for the fans, there hasn’t been enough of it on display through the first month and a half of the season.

Pulock scoring all teh goalz for the Brandon Wheat Kings. Or close to it. The kid is tied for fourth on the team in scoring, and has five more points than the next closest defenseman on the club. Sure it’s juniors, but still.

#NeverForget

Last Night In The NHL

TOR Maple Leafs 1
MIN Wild 2 (SO)

PHI Flyers 2
PIT Penguins 1

DAL Stars 3
EDM Oilers 0

Across The Sound

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers (12-4-6-1) announced that forward Kirill Kabanov was reassigned from the Stockton Thunder to Bridgeport and will join the team for its next game Friday against the Springfield Falcons. Kabanov, 21, had been sent to Stockton earlier this season, but after recording eight points (4G, 4A) in nine games for the Thunder, the Sound Tigers decided a move back to the AHL club was warranted.

As always, thanks for reading us at EyesOnIsles. Keep it right here for all of your NHL coverage and up-to-the-minute Islanders news. Be sure to check the menu bar at the top of the page for ways to connect with the EyesOnIsles staff; we’re always happy to talk hockey.