The Daily: Islanders, Red Wings Both Struggling; Larkin Update Today

The New York Islanders, a team that looked as if it was on top of the world not long ago, now understand the discouragement that the Detroit Red Wings are feeling.

The Islanders, coming to Detroit to play on Thursday, have earned only one point (0-3-1) in their last four games.

“As the Islanders have lost four straight games in uninspiring fashion,” NY Islanders Hockey Now writer Andrew Fantuccio wrote, “the fiery enthusiasm that is (coach Patrick) Roy’s trademark has dwindled along with the team’s playoff chances.”

The headline on Fantuccio’s story was: Patrick Roy Out of Options to Fix Islanders’ Problems.

The Islanders’ offensive struggles have reemerged. They have scored five goals in the four losses, and were shutout twice (by Los Angeles and Buffalo) during this slump. They have given up 16 goals in the four losses.

Roy’s group beat the Red Wings 5-3 almost three weeks ago, and that launched Detroit’s struggles. The Red Wings have lost eight of the last nine.

#Isles Transaction: Robert Bortuzzo has officially been taken off LTIR.

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 18, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Injured captain Dylan Larkin will skate this morning to see how close he is to returning.
• Bob Duff handicaps the NHL Eastern Conference wild card race.
• Red Wings prospect Trey Augustine is a Finalist for Big Ten honor.
• Alarm bells are sounding after the Red Wings fell at Pittsburgh. Neither Alex Lyon or the team was sharp.

Red Wings Next Game

Coach Derek Lalonde’s team has lost eight of nine. The Columbus Blue Jackets are 2-4-1 in their last seven. They meet tonight at Little Caesars Arena (7 p.m.). The Red Wings can move into a wild card playoff spot with a win tonight. The Washington Capitals don’t play.

Hockey Now Network

Calgary: NHL’s Central Registry rejected the Calgary Flames Entry Level Contract for recent signee Sam Morton because he turns 25 in July. ELCs can only be given to players 24 or younger. The Flames must resubmit a non-ELC contract.

Colorado: Prospect Nikolai Kovalenko has joined the Colorado Avalanche now that his KHL season is over. But he showed up with an injury.

Florida: Injured defenseman Aaron Ekblad is skating again for the Florida Panthers. He could be ready by Saturday when Florida plays the New York Rangers.

Montreal: The Canadiens are loaning prospect defenseman David Reinsbacher to their AHL affiliate in Laval. Montreal Canadiens.

Philadelphia:  Jonathan Bailey is offering his list of five greatest Wayne Simmonds moments for the Philadelphia Flyers.  Simmonds is signing a one-day contract to retire as a Flyer.