I thought about mailing in this preview the way that the Bruins mailed in their game against the Sabres yesterday but I am better than that. So, here is your in-depth preview of a game nobody cares about:
The Bruins will finish up their regular season schedule this afternoon against the lowly New York Islanders. This has not been a banner year for the folks out on Long Island. The Islanders have locked up the highest odds in the NHL Entry Draft Lottery with the worst record in the league this season. The Isles have been plagued with injuries throughout the year and have been playing for little more than pride for most of the season. Their fanbase has been dreaming of landing highly-touted prospected John Tavares in this summer's draft, while unfounded rumors circulated about the the team leaving Long Island.
Just who are these Islanders you speak of?
New York Islanders 26-46-9 (61 pts); 5th in Atlantic, 15th in East
Leading Scorers
Goaltending
Guy Who Likes to Drop the Gloves
Tim Jackman: 19 Fighting Majors
'08-'09 Season Series
Bruins Record vs. Islanders: 3-0-0
11/28 vs. NYI 7-2 W
1/15 @ NYI 2-1 W
3/14 vs. NYI 2-1 W
Injury Report
Boston
The Bruins aren't saying much about injuries now that the playoffs are right around the corner, so this report is largely speculative.
LW Marco Sturm: Out for Season (knee)
LW P.J. Axelsson: Doubtful (undisclosed injury)
D Andrew Ference: Out for remainder of regular season (undisclosed injury)
D Dennis Wideman: Probable (foot)
C Patrice Bergeron: Out (foot)
D Zdeno Chara: Doubtful (rest)
RW Phil Kessel: Doubtful (stomach virus)
Axelsson and Chara were the only players that skated this morning, indicating that they will likely watch this game from the press box.
Projected Lines
Islanders Projected Lines (based on NYI's Depth Chart)
Jeff Tambellini - Frans Nielsen - Kyle Okposo
Blake Comeau - Josh Bailey - Richard Park
Andy Hilbert - Doug Weight - Joel Rechlicz
Dean McAmmond - Nate Thompson - Tim Jackman
Bruno Gervais - Mark Streit
Brendan Witt - Radek Martinek
Jack Hillen - Thomas Pock
Notes:
- Reminder: Due to a schedule conflict with the Red Sox game, today's Bruins game will air on an alternate channel. [NESN plus Listings]
- Other than the day after Thanksgiving blowout, Scott Gordon's team has played the Bruins tough this season.
- Today is the last day to vote for the Brian Scalabrine Fan Favorite Award given by Stanley Cup of Chowder to the member of the Bruins that is embraced most by B's fans. Voting ends at 8:00 PM Eastern.
- The Islanders have been eliminated from playoff contention but Kyle Okposo's disgusting neck beard is still going strong despite Cal Clutterbuck's objections.
- Tim Thomas will get the start in goal for the B's.
- Game starts at 5:00, public skate (open thread) starts at 4:00.
- For more on the Isles, check out Lighthouse Hockey.