Ross Johnston, Andy Greene make big impact in Islanders' win
Anton Stralman #86 and Scott Wedgewood #31 of the Arizona Coyotes defend the net during the third period against Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 in Elmont, New York. Credit: Jim McIsaac
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ross Johnston and defenseman Andy Greene had been healthy scratches the previous six games, but both made a big impact on the Islanders’ 4-0 win over the Ducks on Sunday night at Honda Center.
"You never want to sit out games and not be out there, but it happens," said Greene, who scored his second goal of the season to make it 3-0 at 11:43 of the third period, blocked three shots and took two in 14:45 while paired with Noah Dobson. "Johnner and I were skating as hard as we can to prepare for this and it’s good to see your work pay off."
Johnston, finally playing in his 100th career game after making his NHL debut for the Islanders on April 10, 2016, had the first two-assist effort of his career. He set up Casey Cizikas’ goal to make it 2-0 at 1:33 of the second period with a pinpoint no-look pass to the crease from the left wall. He got the primary assist on Greene’s goal.
"It’s just nice to be back out there with the guys," said Johnston, who logged 11:51 of ice time. "Any time you can contribute, it’s definitely a bonus."
The 6-5, 232-pound Johnston, who signed a four-year, $4.4 million extension that begins next season, has yet to play more than 32 games in a season.
Isles files
Josh Bailey, a natural wing, centered Kieffer Bellows and Oliver Wahlstrom on the third line. He logged 13:54 without a shot after being a healthy scratch the previous two games . . . Sebastian Aho, who helped set up Bellows’ breakaway goal in the third period, has assists in five straight games, matching Mathew Barzal for the Islanders’ longest assist streak this season . . . Noah Dobson leads NHL defensemen with nine goals since Dec. 5 . . . Ilya Sorokin is second in the NHL with five shutouts.
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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