Islanders d-man Andy Sutton was injured in last nights thrilling come from behind victory over San Jose, and it was costly. The 6’6″ 245 lb defenseman took Jeremy Roenick into the boards behind DiPietro pretty hard and came away looking like he had just gotten shot. He managed to hunker down and stay in position helping DiPietro maintain the teams lead, but needed to be helped off the ice after the play stopped. We were informed during the post game press conference that Sutton had felt some discomfort in his hamstring area and would be re-evaluated the next day. Sutton underwent an MRI on his hamstring this morning, which revealed a partial tear – he will be out four to six weeks.
Add this injury to the ones to Witt (sprained MCL), Campoli (season ending shoulder surgery) and Gervais (strained oblique) and you have quite the shortage of blueliners. Bridgeport Sound Tiger Drew Fata gets the call on an emergency basis for the first time this season. The Isles have laughed in the face of diversity and injuries the last four games – can they continue the pace with yet another key injury or will management now add a defenseman to the list of parts the Islanders need in order to reach the playoffs.
With Islanders GM Garth Snow in Florida for the general mangagers meeting, he could very well be shopping pick and/or prospects (much to the dismay of Islanders fans everywhere) to the other GM’s in attendance. Just to add a friendly reminder, the GM meetings last year is where Snow had preliminary discussion with Edmonton’s GM in what would later be the Ryan Smyth trade that shocked the league – so don’t be surprised if Garth is sending feelers out.
It’s not going to be easy, but the Islanders have the momentum they need and have their own destiny in their hands. Tommorow’s game against the Capitals just became even more important. Hopefully the team has the intestinal fortitude to weather this latest injury and build on what is the longest point streak of the season.
