Isles Notes: Olympics & Trade Deadline

Although Islanders Captain, John Tavares was injured on Wednesday, he stayed on to watch Team Canada to advance to the Gold Medal round and defeat Team Sweden by a 3-0 score.  Canada rallied throughout the Tournament and brought a smothering defensive game against their opposition.  As a result, they captured their 3rd gold medal of the 5 NHL Olympics but overall 4 of last 6 best-on-best events (WCup 2004), per Pierre LeBrun.  Tavares was on hand for the medal ceremony and shared in the celebration with his countrymen and team mates. (Clip thanks to @KeithLHHockey)

 

 

 

Bob McKenzie reminds us that the NHL roster freeze is lifted tonight at 11:59 pm ET. All NHL Clubs are free to make transactions after that.  There is little doubt that the Islanders line up will look different before the March 5th deadline.  Vanek & MacDonald will most likely be on the list to be traded. 

 

 

Who else do you think may be moved?

 

 

 

Islanders Notes:

Thomas Vanek and Michael Grabner are back practicing with the Islanders.

The Islanders face Toronto on Thursday, 2/27 @ 7pm, the Devils on Saturday, 3/1 @ 1pm and Florida on Sunday, 3/2 @ 3pm.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

In addition to their six-game winning streak, the Sound Tigers have now won 11 out of their last 13 games, and are over .500 for the first time this season.

 

Olympic Notes:

Team Canada defeated Team Sweden for the Gold Medal in Men's Hockey.

Finalnd defeated the U.S. for Bronze.

Per Associated Press, IOC says Latvian hockey player Vitalijs Pavlovs fails doping test at Sochi Olympics.

Swedish Olympic official says hockey player Nicklas Backstrom, scratched prior to game vs. Canada fails doping test at Sochi Olympics.  NHL is unlikely to act on Backstrom incident.  Apparently, substance not on NHL banned list.