Morning Skate Updates: Islanders at Flames

The New York Islanders take on the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night at Scotiabank Saddledome at 9:30 p.m. Watch on MSG+, MSG GO, or NHL.TV. Listen live on 88.7FM WRHU, 103.9FM LI News or online at radio.com/islanders. Read the game preview. Check the game notes.

CLASH OF THE DIVISION LEADERS:

Wednesday's game is a clash of divisional leaders, as the Metro-leading Islanders take on the Pacific-leading Calgary Flames.
Both the Islanders (76 points) and Flames (79 points) are top-five teams in the NHL, but have found success with different styles. Calgary boasts an explosive offense and is averaging the second most goals-per-game (3.68) in the NHL with 3.68 goals-per-game, while the Islanders the league's best defensive team, allowing a league-low 2.29 goals-against-per-game.
"Bill Peters brought a lot of the same type of style that Carolina played, they are aggressive on the puck," Head Coach Barry Trotz said. "Calgary has always had very active D and that fits them well with the pressure they apply in all situations. It's similar to what Carolina did. They are getting good goaltending and have dynamic guys like Gaudreau and Monahan, they're playing very, very well."
"I just know they are good. I know they are good defensively," Flames Head Coach Bill Peters said. "I know they play the right way, I know Trotzie has them dialed in and they've gotten off to a good start and have sustained it. Both goaltenders are real good and that's a product of how well they play in front of them."

Tweet from @NYIslanders: Trotz update on Ladd and Hickey: ���They���re day-to-day but not today. We���ll see where they���re at health wise. They���re very close. They���re going to skate today and we���ll see what we decide tomorrow.��� #Isles pic.twitter.com/GmiHlo4p4G

THOMAS HICKEY AND ANDREW LADD UPDATE:

Thomas Hickey and Andrew Ladd joined the Islanders on their Western Canadian swing. They were both recalled from their two-game conditioning stints with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and are nearing a return, but are still on long term injured reserve.
"Right now they are still day-to-day, but not today," Trotz said. "We'll just see where we are health-wise. We're getting closer to the trade deadline, we some flexibility within our roster and we'll see where we take it. We're just worried about this game. They are very close, they'll skate today and what we decide tomorrow."

Tweet from @NYIslanders: Gearing up for game night in Calgary. #Isles pic.twitter.com/LbqUtI8CvF

TROTZ ON MICHAEL DAL COLLE:

Michael Dal Colle was returned on loan to Bridgeport on Tuesday morning. Dal Colle had four points (2G, 2A) in 20 games with the Islanders this season over three recalls. Trotz said with Ladd and Hickey nearing a return, the Islanders needed to open up a spot on the roster and that it's beneficial for Dal Colle to play big minutes with the Sound Tigers as opposed to sit in the press box.
"It was just from a roster standpoint, he's a young guy and we just needed him to play," Trotz said. "I couldn't be more happy for what Michael has done, but we just need some roster flexibility and obviously Ladd and Hickey getting really close here. From that standpoint it's just a roster thing to keep him playing."

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HAMONIC PLAYING HARD FOR FLAMES:

Travis Hamonic drew a big crowd at the Flames morning skate on Wednesday. The former Islander is in his second season with the Flames, and is enjoying success in Calgary.
"You know what you're going to get out of Hammer. He's a guy you go to war with each and every night. You need those kind of guys in order to win and win in the end," Flames Head Coach Bill Peters said.
He's largely been partnered with Noah Hanifin, who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes at the draft. On an offensively-inclined team, Hamonic's provided a steady defensive presence. He's averaging a team-high 3:03 shorthanded and is second on the team with 113 blocks. Don't be surprised to see him out at the end of a close game.
"He's been excellent, he's fearless, he eats a lot of pucks on the PK, blocking shots," Peters said. "Unfortunately for us tonight that looks like it'll be Barzal and Pulock. Pulock can bring it and guess who's going to be in that shooting lane. Hammer. He knows. He signed up for it."

SMITH IN NET FOR FLAMES:

Mike Smith gets the start for Calgary. Smith is 16-11-2 this season with a 3.05 GAA, a .892S SV% and two shutouts. Smith is 2-0-1 in his last three starts and is 5-4-0 with a 2.68 GAA, a .914 SV% and a shutout lifetime vs the Islanders.

FLAMES PROJECTED LINES:

Johnny Gaudreau - Sean Monahan - Matthew Tkachuk
Michael Frolik - Mikael Backlund - Elias Lindholm
Sam Bennett - Mark Jankowski - Austin Czarnik
Andrew Mangiapane - Derek Ryan - Garnet Hathaway
Mark Giordano - TJ Brodie
Noah Hanifin - Travis Hamonic
Oliver Kylington - Rasmus Andersson