Top Shelf – Islanders Daily 10/11/13

Oct 8, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) skates off the ice during a line change during the first period of a game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Once again, the Islanders finish up two days of rest and will wake up in the Second City as they prepare to face off against the Chicago Blackhawks tonight at 8ET. The Islanders look to carry the momentum gained from Tuesday’s 6-1 win over the Phoenix Coyotes, while the Blackhawks hope to avenge a tough 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Tonight’s game can be a real statement game for the Islanders. Many critics believed last year’s success to be a fluke, and both the team and fans watch each game hoping to disprove those murmurs. A win, or even a strong showing should quiet any sort of doubt and let the League know this team is here to stay. The Blackhawks will rest their star Corey Crawford and give Nikolai Khabibulin his 796th NHL start and first start as a Blackhawk.

Be on the lookout for the Eyes on Isles pregame a couple of hours before the game and as always, follow the Eyes staff for up to the minute updates on everything Isles.

Reagan – (@ReaganKingIsles)

In Case You Missed It:

About Tomas Hertl’s Goal And The Move Heard ‘Round The World (Eyes on Isles)

Your Call : Brad Stuart Suspension – Thomas Hertl Goal (Eyes on Isles)

Cal Clutterbuck’s Return Creates a Logjam Up Front for Islanders (Newsday)

Islanders Depth Already Being Demonstrated With Clutterbuck Decision (Islanders  Op-Timism)

How Much is Matt Moulson Really Worth To New York Islanders? (Rant Sports)

Depth, Speed, Solid Goaltending Propel Islanders To Strong Start (WFAN)

Two Minutes for Tweeting:

• Just a man joinging the fight against cancer and rooting for the Isles. Not a bad combination if you ask me.

• A lot of people have been mentioning this or something similar leading up to tonight’s game: it’s an early test and somewhat of a statement game of the Isles. It’s still early in the season regardless, but a win against the defending Stanley Cup Champions certainly wouldn’t hurt their case.

• The Islanders official Facebook page referred to Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck as the “Bash Brothers.” I’m glad the team is adapting the nickname the fans have taken on since Clutterbuck’s arrival. Should be some fun hockey to watch when both guys hit the ice (not that it’s not already).

• This is a pretty incredible stat. The Islanders have done a great job on the penalty kill so far into the young season. The dominated Phoenix on the penalty kill Tuesday. If they can continue this trend, they’ll be a very difficult team to play against.

Across the Sound:

Across the Sound is Eyes on Isles’ brief updates on the happenings within the New York Islanders AHL affiliate: the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Not much doing in Bridgeport this week. The Sound Tigers have six days off since their win on Sunday and will face off against the Manchester Monarchs at home on Saturday at 7:00 ET.