Oliver Wahlstrom still strengthening knee but says he could play right now
New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during a break in the action against the Buffalo Sabres, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray) Credit: AP/Noah K. Murray
The Islanders may be being cautious in allowing Oliver Wahlstrom extra time to get his knee stronger before dressing him in a regular-season game, but coach Lane Lambert and the sharpshooting right wing made it clear that he could play right now.
“For sure, 100%,” said Wahlstrom, not in the lineup for the Islanders’ season-opening 3-2 win over the Sabres on Saturday night at UBS Arena. “It’s a little frustrating, not playing. I haven’t played a home opener in four years. It’s encouraging that the knee is starting to get stronger. I’m just working my way back.”
Fellow forward Julien Gauthier, a former Ranger starting his first season with the Islanders, and rookie defenseman Samuel Bolduc were the other healthy scratches.
Wahlstrom, the 11th overall pick in 2018, suffered a season-ending ACL injury on Dec. 27. He has worked to regain his game speed through training camp and spent extra time on ice after practices this week. He played in three of the Islanders’ six preseason games and had one assist.
“He’s close,” Lambert said. “And if we needed him, he could play. He’s no different than Gauthier or Bolduc.”
The speedy Gauthier signed a two-year, $1.575 million deal but could not beat out Simon Holmstrom or Hudson Fasching for a spot in the Opening Night lineup.
“It’s not easy, but I’m brand-new to this team,” Gauthier said. “I’m just going to wait for the opportunity to show up. I had a good camp, so you’ve got to stay positive.”
Isles files
Center Brock Nelson inherited the “A” from former Islander Josh Bailey as an alternate captain. Cal Clutterbuck continued to wear the second “A” with Anders Lee starting his sixth season as captain . . . Defenseman Adam Pelech’s primary assist on Casey Cizikas’ third-period winner was his 100th career assist.
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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