Finally a piece of good news for the Islanders seriously depleted defense.Andy MacDonald has been penciled into the lineup for tonight's game against the New York Rangers at the Coliseum. MacDonald had been out with a broken foot since March 2, when he broke it blocking a shot in a win over the Chicago Blackhawks. MacDonald, 23, was in the midst of a breakout season - not exactly a Norris Trophy contender, but breakout where the Islanders are concerned - and had just signed a four-year, $2.2-million contract extension.
There was a chance he wouldn't be back this season, with a four-to-six-week prognosis for recovery, but Tuesday is the four-week mark, and he's ready to step back in. "You don't want your season to end not playing the last six weeks or so," MacDonald said. "It's important to get some games in here at the end of the year."
MacDonald's return is one small addition for a defensive corps that has only been subtracting since MacDonald went down. Andy Sutton (traded), Dustin Kohn (concussion) and Bruno Gervais (groin) are out, and on Saturday in Columbus, the Isles dressed only two defensemen ( Mark Streit and Freddy Meyer) who were on the roster to start the season.
The team has returned 20-year-old Anton Klementyev to Bridgeport Monday to make room for MacDonald on the roster. With seven games left and the Islanders eight points from a playoff spot, it's more important to develop up-and-comers such as MacDonald and Jack Hillen than busting it for a playoff berth.
MacDonald did take notice of which game was coming up as he worked to get back. "It kind of just happened that way, but that doesn't mean I wasn't aware this game was coming up," he said. "It's for bragging rights and it's a big deal around here."
MacDonald also said he wanted to be sharp so he can play for Bridgeport in the AHL playoffs if the Sound Tigers qualify.
No comments:
Post a Comment