Game Preview: Islanders vs. Coyotes

New York Islanders vs. Arizona Coyotes

Leddy Day-To-Day:

Nick Leddy missed Thursday's practice with an upper-body injury and is considered day-to-day by head coach Jack Capuano. Leddy leads the Islanders in average ice time (23:52) through four games and plays in the team's top pairing and on the top power-play unit. Last season, Leddy was the Islanders leading scorer among defensemen with a career-high 40 points (5G, 35A).

Ryan Pulock Recalled:

In wake of Leddy's injury, Ryan Pulock was recalled by the Islanders on Wednesday afternoon. If Leddy can't go, Pulock will likely assume his spot on the top power-play unit, as he practiced there on Thursday. Pulock finished last season with the Islanders and was on the playoff roster, but was loaned to Bridgeport at the end of training camp, as the Islanders opened the season with six defensemen. Pulock said he's using his callup as a chance to reclaim a spot on the roster. Pulock skated with Dennis Seidenberg at Thursday's practice.
"I'm back here now, I want to get in, go out there and play my game, play like I was playing last year and show I belong here," Pulock said. "They just wanted me to go down there, play hard, get shots through, be aggressive, don't sit back, play without thinking I think is a big part. Be confident, and go out there and do my thing."

Strome vs. Strome:

Friday's Islanders-Coyotes game will be a family affair for the Strome family as brothers Ryan and Dylan are slated to face off in the NHL for the first time. Ryan is four years older than Dylan, but both were top-five draft picks; Ryan going fifth-overall in 2011, while Dylan was drafted third-overall in 2015.
"It's going to be really special," Strome said. "I'm going to be keeping my eye on him, make sure he's doing alright, but I have to take care of my own business."
"It's going to be a great thrill and something not a lot of people get to experience."

Mike Smith Injured:

After suffering a leg injury against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday, Coyotes goalie Mike Smith was sent back to Arizona to be evaluated by team doctors on Thursday. That means Louis Domingue and Justin Peters are manning the crease for the Coyotes. Domingue started for the Coyotes in Thursday's 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens, but was pulled after allowing four goals on 19 shots. Peters stopped 23-of-24 shots in his Coyotes debut.

Travis Hamonic's 400th Game:

Travis Hamonic will play his 400th career NHL game - all with the New York Islanders. In 399 games with the Islanders, Hamonic has 23 goals and 111 assists for 134 points.