With the playoffs quickly approaching, the Islanders likely will get a key contributor back for Saturday afternoon’s Coliseum match against the Ducks.
Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky has missed the past five games with an assumed back injury, but after skating on Thursday and Friday, the 38-year-old seems good to make his return.
“There’s a real good chance that he could be ready,” coach Jack Capuano said after Friday’s practice, his team eight points shy of the Rangers for the Metropolitan Division lead.
Visnovsky said he has told the coaches he’s ready, and now it’s up to them if he plays or not. He has struggled with injuries throughout this season, playing 46 of the fist 75 games, but added, “Playoffs is the reason I’m still playing.”
Capuano also said forward Mikhail Grabovski (concussion) was not close to returning and could be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs.
Backup goalie Michal Neuvirth will start in nets against the Ducks, while starter Jaroslav Halak likely will get the nod for the Sunday home matinee against the Red Wings.