New York Islanders: Valtteri Filppula Could Be Ready For Playoffs

After hyperextending his elbow, New York Islanders forward Valtteri Filppula thought he’d be out for four weeks. He might be good to go for Game 1.

If you told me before the season started that losing Valtteri Filppula would be a big issue I probably would’ve laughed. Yet, nine months later here we are upset that Val Filppula is out for the New York Islanders for foreseeable future.

At least that’s what we originally thought when the injury news came out. He practiced for the first time yesterday and he said his elbow felt really good. Maybe he’ll be back sooner than expected.

The Islanders have a little over a week before the playoffs start, so theoretically, Filppula could be back in time for Game 1 if the next week of practice goes as well as yesterday did. The Isles need the help at center.

Center might be the weakest position for the Isles, as they are loaded with wingers. They’ve had Tanner Fritz, Leo Komarov, and Tom Kuhnhackl fill in on the third line but none of the three came close to what Filppula gave the Islanders.

In 71 games, Filppula had 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists). He also has a lot more playoff experience over any of those three guys with quality production. In 158 career playoff games, he has 82 points (25 goals, 57 assists). His pace is .52 points per game for his career in the playoffs.

Filppula’s impact on this team was way more than we originally anticipated. If the Isles get him back in time for the playoffs that’s a huge win for them.

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