Islanders Get Boost as Cal Ritchie Returns to Lineup Ahead of Break
The New York Islanders hit the ice Thursday morning in New Jersey with a noticeable addition back in the mix-rookie center Cal Ritchie. After missing six games with a lower-body injury suffered on Jan.
24, Ritchie is set to return to the lineup Thursday night against the Devils. And for a team looking to head into the Olympic break on a high note, his return couldn’t come at a better time.
Ritchie slots back in between Emil Heineman and Jonathan Drouin and is expected to resume his role on the power play. The 21-year-old has been a steady contributor this season, tallying 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) through 40 games. While he was originally projected to return after the break, Ritchie said the past few days of skating gave him the confidence to accelerate that timeline.
“Each day felt better,” Ritchie said after morning skate. “Today’s really the first day I felt like I could actually play, so I’m excited.”
From a development standpoint, this is a smart move. The Islanders don’t play again until Feb. 26, and Ritchie emphasized how important it was for him to get back into game action before the long layoff. Five weeks without a game is a tough stretch for any player, let alone a rookie still finding his rhythm in the NHL.
Head Coach Patrick Roy echoed that sentiment, calling Ritchie’s return a “boost” for the team.
“He’s been playing really good hockey,” Roy said. “It was unfortunate that he got hurt, and it’s nice to see him back. Hopefully he feels comfortable playing with Drouin and Heineman.”
In a corresponding move, veteran forward Anthony Duclair will come out of the lineup.
Morning Skate Line Combinations
Here’s how the Islanders lined up Thursday morning:
- Ondrej Palat - Bo Horvat - Mathew Barzal
- Emil Heineman - Cal Ritchie - Jonathan Drouin
- Anders Lee - JG Pageau - Simon Holmstrom
- Kyle MacLean - Casey Cizikas - Marc Gatcomb
On defense:
- Matthew Schaefer - Ryan Pulock
- Adam Pelech - Tony DeAngelo
- Carson Soucy - Scott Mayfield
Sorokin Gets the Nod in Net
No surprises in goal-Ilya Sorokin will start Thursday night. The Islanders’ workhorse netminder has been in strong form this season, boasting a 19-13-2 record with a 2.48 goals-against average, a .915 save percentage, and a league-leading six shutouts.
Against the Devils this season, Sorokin has been lights-out: 2-0-0 with a 0.99 GAA, a .975 save percentage, and one shutout. When he’s locked in like that, he gives the Islanders a chance to win every night-especially in tight divisional matchups like this one.
Palat Returns to Familiar Ice
Ondrej Palat will be skating in New Jersey for the first time since being traded from the Devils on Jan. 27.
The veteran winger spent four seasons with the Devils, logging 248 games and 92 points (38 goals, 54 assists). Though he didn’t get a chance to catch up with old teammates Wednesday, he planned to after the game.
“It’s been a good four years here and I have good memories of this rink,” Palat said after leading the team stretch at center ice.
It’s always a little emotional returning to a former home, but Palat has been around long enough to know how to channel that energy the right way.
One More Before the Break
With the Olympic break looming, Thursday’s game carries a little extra weight. Not just because it’s the last one for nearly three weeks, but because of what’s at stake in the standings.
Roy made it clear that his team’s focus hasn’t wavered.
“It’s the last game before the break, and when you look at the standings we all understand this is a big game for both teams,” Roy said. “I think it’s important for us to be ready for it.
That’s the maturity of our group-focusing on what has to be done and not what’s coming up. Stay in the present moment.”
That mindset has been a theme all season for the Islanders. And with a key piece like Ritchie back in the fold, Sorokin between the pipes, and Palat returning to a familiar setting, they’re poised to close out this stretch with purpose.