BOSTON — Alexander Romanov received’t play when the Islanders begin their three-game highway journey towards the Bruins on Tuesday, however the defenseman is hopeful to return by the tip of the swing by way of Carolina and Washington.
“I don’t know when,” Romanov mentioned after returning to observe Monday in a purple noncontact jersey. “However I’m planning to play some video games [on the trip].”
The noncontact jersey Romanov wore was a little bit of a misnomer; for all intents and functions, he was a full participant, together with blocking pictures and initiating some contact.
He mentioned afterward that the jersey means his teammates “can’t have contact with me. I can if I wish to, if I really feel good.”
Romanov has missed the previous 4 video games with an upper-body harm and was moved to injured reserve earlier this week to clear a roster spot. For the reason that harm occurred on Oct. 16, the obligatory weeklong interval earlier than a participant can come off IR has already handed.
“It relies upon how I’m gonna really feel,” Romanov mentioned. “Nonetheless a bit of sore, however getting higher each day.”
When Romanov comes off IR, the Islanders might want to ship somebody — possible Marshall Warren — to Bridgeport to maintain their roster at 23 males.
Warren, a Lengthy Island native, impressed on Saturday in his NHL debut, notching two assists towards the Flyers.
“So thrilling,” Romanov mentioned of returning to observe. “I didn’t chill all this time. I labored out, figuring out [on the] bike. Numerous biking. I imply, each day. And I used to be skating. It’s my third skate [today]. So I’m so excited and I hope I’ll play quickly.”
After lacking Bridgeport’s previous two video games, prime prospect Cal Ritchie was deemed everyday with a lower-body harm. Ritchie additionally exited the final Islanders preseason recreation with a lower-body harm; it’s not recognized whether or not that is associated.
Max Shabanov (higher physique) didn’t observe and didn’t journey to Boston with the Islanders.
Scott Mayfield missed observe on account of upkeep. Coach Patrick Roy mentioned he’s anticipated to play on Tuesday.
Roy mentioned the Islanders would resolve Tuesday morning whether or not Warren would get a second recreation or Adam Boqvist would come again into the lineup. Warren rotated in with Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock throughout observe whereas Boqvist partnered Matthew Schaefer, taking Mayfield’s function with the latter watching from the balcony.
