Top Shelf – Islanders Daily 10/22/13

Oct 17, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Edmonton Oilers goalie Devan Dubnyk (40) makes a save on a shot by New York Islanders right wing Michael Grabner (40) in front of Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and defenseman Andrew Ference (21) during the third period of a game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The Islanders won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

With the placement of defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky on the injured reserve list and Michael Grabner at the start of his two game suspension, the New York Islanders will have to overcome some adversity coming into their matchup against the Vancouver Canucks tonight.

Grabner met with the NHL’s Player Safety Department via phone yesterday where he was sentenced to his punishment, which will cost him $30,769 over the two-game span. With Grabner absent from the lineup tonight against the Canucks and Friday against the Penguins, a big key to the penalty kill and offense overall will need to be replaced.

With two key players out of the lineup, fans will get a taste of what Brock Nelson and Matt Donovan’s games are really about. Although they have played in a handful of games each this season, it’s not only a key moment for them to contribute to the team’s overall game, but show that they’re ready to permanently contribute on Long Island. These next two games will be a terrific test for the two young Islanders.

In Case You Missed It

Grabner Suspended for Two Games (Eyes on Isles)

The Islanders’ Real Identity: Consistent Desperation (Eyes on Isles)

Young Cizikas Counted on in Big Situations (New York Islanders)

Islanders’ Grabner Suspended Two Games for Headshot on Nathan Gerbe, Because You Can’t Do That (Puck Daddy)

Two Minutes for Tweeting

• The shoutout heard ’round the Islanders world. Yes, the Islanders were mentioned during last night’s broadcast of Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, Mike Tirico brought up how the Isles play in Brooklyn. He may or may not be in possession of a DeLorean and is confused from his travels.

• I couldn’t have said it better myself, Matt. The depth the Islanders have had (and had to deal with roster-wise) has been great. Now we’ll see how they can overcome a couple of big players to the team and play against two very good teams.

• Get the DVR’s ready everyone! Kevin Connolly’s “Big Shot” will debut tonight at 8PM as one of ESPN’s ongoing series ’30 for 30.’ I know I’ve been looking forward to seeing this since hearing about it earlier in the year. Not the brightest time for fans, but it should give us a nice look at what was never printed.

Around the NHL

San Jose Sharks 1, Detroit Red Wings 0 – SJ (Shootout)

Colorado Avalanche 1, Pittsburgh Penguins 0 – COL (Landeskog)

Calgary Flames 3, Los Angeles Kings 2 – CGY (Cammalleri, Monahan, Brodie); LAK (Doughty, Carter)

Across the Sound

The Sound Tigers face off next on Saturday October 26th in Syracuse against the Crunch at 7PM.