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Johnny Boychuk will travel with the team
, but remains day-to-day with an upper-body injury according to Trotz. Boychuk has missed two consecutive games following a hit from Philadelphia winger Jakub Voracek. Voracek was administered with a five-minute major and subsequently suspended for two games.
- After claiming two straight wins in playoff-type games against wild card hopefuls, the Islanders continue to their quest for a playoff bid are looking to keep their energy high against the Red Wings. Trotz said the key for successful teams is they find ways to keep their battle level elevated regardless of opponent.
"This time of year, you want to raise your level not based on the opponent, you want to raise your level for yourself," Trotz said. "You want to raise your battle level. The trick is raising your battle level from now until the end of the year. If you do that, then you're ready for playoffs. Where players or teams get mixed up is, they look at the opponent and they play to the opponent. If you do that, you're not preparing yourself."
- The Islanders are in an 0-for-22 slump on the power play over the past 10 games.
- Casey Cizikas took a maintenance day during Friday's practice, but is expected to play over the weekend.