Islanders team scope: Defenseman Johnny Boychuk will return for New York after missing 11 games with an upper-body injury, coach Jack Capuano said. Boychuck has been out of action since Dec. 31 against the Buffalo Sabres and returned to practice before the All-Star break. "He went through a really good day and I'm pretty sure he'll be ready to play [Saturday]," Capuano told the Islanders website Friday. The Islanders were 5-5-1 without Boychuk. Defenseman Scott Mayfield was returned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League to make room for Boychuk. Goalie Jaroslav Halak will start for the Islanders, whose forward lines will remain the same from a 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals on Thursday. Forward Brock Nelson has 10 points (seven goals and three assists) in his past 10 games.
Red Wings team scope:Detroit recalled forward Andreas Athanasiou from Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. He centered a line with Tomas Tatar and Gustav Nyquist at practice Friday. Athanasiou will also see time on the penalty kill against the Islanders. "Am I confident in him? Yes, but we've got to make sure, when he goes out there, he executes at a high level if he gets the opportunity," Blashill told the Detroit Free Press. Mrazek will start after Jimmy Howard played in a 6-3 loss at the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Detroit will play its next five games at home, where it has a five-game losing streak. The six goals allowed in the loss to the Panthers are the most the Red Wings have given up in a game this season.
