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The New York Islanders averted a scare Tuesday morning when Brendan Witt left the ice with an apparent right ankle injury. According to Newsday's Katie Strang, the defenseman took a puck off the skate during team drills and had to leave the ice for a few minutes.
Witt slammed his stick over the boards in frustration before spending roughly five minutes on the side, testing his ankle. The 34 year-old was able to walk it off and return to practice drills with the team.
The Islanders can ill-afford to lose the veteran blue-liner at this stage of the season. He is currently the only member of the roster that has the ability to log 20+ minutes a game, while also serving as an enforcer to protect the smaller players. Jack Hillen would be next line for minutes if Witt was to miss any time due to injury.
On Tuesday afternoon, Islanders Point Blank reported that Joel Rechlicz was optioned to Bridgeport of the American Hockey League. Gordon has grown increasingly concerned that the 22 year-old has spent more time in the NHL last season than in the AHL. His return to Long Island hinges mostly upon the healing of Jeremy Reich's broken wrist. If Reich is unable to return this month, expect Rechlicz to be recalled in time for the October 28th contest versus the New York Rangers.
It was announced Monday that Doug Weight and Blake Comeau will be available for Thursday's game in Ottawa. Add in the presence of Rob Schremp, and Scott Gordon's club has 14 healthy forwards currently at its disposal. If the Isles opt to go with six defenseman, as they did for their home opener, then only 12 forwards can be dressed. The Head Coach has given little to no indication as to who would be the odd men out against the Senators.
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