Top Shelf – Islanders Daily 3/4/14

Jan 6, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; New York Islanders center

(18) celebrates his first career NHL goal against the Dallas Stars during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

All remains quiet on the Islanders trade front. As all 30 teams approach the 24 hour mark, the Isles will be watched closely as the inevitable transactions are made today or tomorrow.

While everyone sits on the edge of their seats, there is still hockey to be played. The Isles will begin a four game road trip out West, starting with the Winnipeg Jets tonight at 8:00PM. The two players heading all Islanders related trade talks, Andrew MacDonald and Thomas Vanek, joined the team on the trip. Whether they play tonight is up to Head Coach Jack Capuano, who will address the media later today.

With word out of practice on Monday stating Ryan Strome was practicing on the top line with Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo, many fans were able to see a silver lining a disappointing season. With John Tavares out of the lineup, Strome may now get the opportunity and proper look he has earned since being drafted 5th overall in 2011. Brock Nelson has proven his worth on this team, no matter which line he plays on. However, with little hope left in the season, it can’t hurt seeing Strome on the top line, with top line minutes.

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Around the NHL

Columbus Blue Jackets 2, Toronto Maple Leafs 1

Dallas Stars 3, Buffalo Sabres 2

Minnesota Wild 3, Calgary Flames 2

Montreal Canadiens @ Los Angeles Kings 10:30PM

Across the Sound

Next up for the Sound Tigers are a couple of back to back games against the St. John’s IceCaps, both at Mile One Centre.