Islanders' Matt Martin in lineup as a game-time decision for Game 3 against Hurricanes
New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin sets before a face off against the Montreal Canadiens in the third period of an NHL hockey game at UBS Arena on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Matt Martin worked alone during the Islanders’ optional morning skate and coach Patrick Roy called him a game-time decision for the second straight day.
But the longtime fourth-line left wing, perhaps playing his last season with the Islanders as he concludes a four-year, $6 million deal, was in the lineup for Thursday night’s Game 3 loss to the Hurricanes at UBS Arena.
Martin was held out of Wednesday’s practice with rookie Ruslan Iskhakov, five inches shorter than Martin at 5-foot-8 and 45 pounds lighter at 170, skating in his spot.
“They’re different players,” Roy said. “(Martin is) an experienced guy. He plays well the position. He understands the game. He’s an important piece on our team. The other one is a rookie that has a lot of speed, a lot of energy. A player probably doesn’t know he’s small.”
Martin logged 10:10 as the Islanders blew a three-goal lead in Monday night’s 5-3 loss in Game 3 in Raleigh. He was one of seven players assessed a 10-minute misconduct in the game’s final minute.
‘Canes change
Ex-Ranger Tony DeAngelo drew into the Hurricanes’ lineup for the first time in the playoffs with defenseman Brett Pesce (lower body) likely unavailable for the rest of the series after exiting Game 2.
DeAngelo took Pesce’s spot paired with fellow ex-Ranger Brady Skjei.
The lightly used DeAngelo, in his second tenure with the Hurricanes, had three goals and eight assists in 31 games.
“It’s a tough spot for him to be chucked into,” coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “But we know Tony and nothing really fazes him.”
Isles files
Brind’Amour acknowledged Saturday’s Game 4 being a 2 p.m. faceoff may factor into his decision whether to continue starting goalie Frederik Andersen . . . Hudson Fasching drew back into the Islanders’ lineup for Simon Holmstrom, skating on Brock Nelson’s left wing along with Kyle Palmieri.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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