Morning Skate Updates: Islanders at Ducks

The New York Islanders take on the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night at 10 p.m. Watch the game on MSG+ and MSG GO. Listen live on 88.7FM - WRHU, 103.9FM - LI News or online at Radio.com. Read the game preview. Check the game notes.

Video: Morning Skate: NYI vs. ANA 10/17

CIZIKAS PROBABLE TO RETURN:

Barry Trotz deemed there was a "high probability" that Casey Cizikas will return to the lineup after missing Saturday's game in Nashville with a lower-body injury.
That's welcome news to the coach who affectionately called his center a "junkyard dog."
"Casey is one of those guys who drives a line," Trotz said. "He pulls you into the fight… [When he's out of the lineup] you miss him on the penalty kill, miss his faceoffs and he's a little bit of a junkyard dog, you can play him in different situations."
Cizikas, who was activated off IR Wednesday afternoon, will have two new linemates if he returns to the lineup, taking line rushes between Ross Johnston and Leo Komarov instead of Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck. While Cizikas has played the past two seasons without Martin, it is unusual to see him split up from Clutterbuck, who is also his regular PK partner, but the fiesty center said he'll adapt and continue to play his game.
"We all know what Ross can do. He's an energy player, he bangs the body and brings a different aspect to the game than either me or Leo do," Cizikas said. "Leo's smart, he's alright in the right position and making the smart plays and it'll be fun playing out there with those two guys."

JOHNSTON TO MAKE SEASON DEBUT, MARTIN OUT:

Ross Johnston will make his season debut on Wednesday night, drawing into the lineup for Matt Martin.
"I'm excited to be in the lineup tonight and to make an impression any way I can," Johnston said. "My game is pretty simple. I'm not going to change no matter what time of year it is. I'm a simple player, I'm going to get the puck in deep, finish my hits and bring a physical presence to the lineup."
While the first thing Barry Trotz commented on was Johnston's 6'5, 235 lbs. frame, the coach said the tough guy is working to use his hands for more than just defending teammates.
"Obviously he's a big, big man and that's the first thing that stands out," Trotz said. "You know how tough he is, but his hands, he's got really good hands, good hockey sense… Ross has been good through training camp, killing penalties, a very similar role [to Martin]. We're going to put him in tonight and see what he can do."
The Prince Edward Island native has developed his game since being signed by the Islanders out of Charlottetown (QMJHL) in 2015. Last season Johnston recorded six points (3G, 3A) in 24 games with the Islanders and signed a four-year deal with the team over the summer.
Johnston may get teased about being one of the top cow farmers on PEI, or spending part of his summer repairing the fence on his family's 600 acre farm, but he's got the support and respect of his teammates, who've always been excited for him as he's grinded for NHL opportunities.
"Oh forsure," Cizikas said if the Isles were happy for Johnston. "It starts with him off the ice. He's always smiling and happy in the room. Guys warm up to him. You always hear that guys like that are big teddy bears and that's him. He's earned it and he'll be excited to get out there tonight and get the season started."

SBISA LIKELY IN, PELECH LIKELY OUT:

Judging by the line rushes at Tuesday's practice and Wednesday's morning skate, Luca Sbisa appears to be drawing back into the lineup after sitting out the previous two games. Adam Pelech looks to be coming out as Trotz looks to shuffle his lines and d-pairs.

DUCKS NOTES:

Ducks Head Coach Randy Carlyle did not reveal his lineup for Wednesday's game. Captain Ryan Getzlaf participated in the team's morning skate, but his status has been reported as a game-time decision.