N.Y. Islanders: Lou Lamoriello Reinforces The Ranks

From the desks: THE LONG ISLAND NOMADS & THE BRICK CITY STYX

LOU LAMORIELLO MAKES SNOW DAYS 

A DISTANT MEMORY

Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri Dealt to Long Islanders

With centerman and captain Anders Lee out for the season, Lou Lamoriello acquired winger Kyle Palmieri and center Travis Zajac from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for AHL prospects A.J. Greer, Mason Jobst, this year's first-round draft pick, and next year's fourth-round pick.

The Islanders add smart veteran depth and talent.  Palmieri scored no less than 24 goals in each of his first five seasons with the Devils and three times achieved at least 50 points.  This season to date, Kyle Palmieri has eight goals and 19 points through 34 games with Newark.  Meanwhile, Travis Zajac's time in New Jersey comes to an end after 15 full seasons and over 1,000 games in a Devils uniform.  To date, he has seven goals and 18 points through 33 games.  I expect each of them to fit seamlessly into Barry Trotz's system.  

Palmieri is 30-years old, and Zajac is 35-years old, and both will become unrestricted free agents at season's end.  In return, the Devils acquire another high draft pick.  It was the prudent thing to do as something is always better than nothing.

THURSDAY

Devils   6

Sabres   3

FINAL

Thank goodness for Buffalo.  Newark snaps a four-game skip with Thursday's commanding 6-3 victory out in Western New York.  The Devils scored three times in the first period, then three more times in the third period.  Pavel Zacha netted two power-play goals, Jack Hughes scored his eighth goal of the season, and Yegor Sharangovich scored his ninth.

THURSDAY

Flyers    2

Islanders 3

FINAL

SHOOTOUT

The Islanders put up two quick goals in the first period.  But Philadelphia ground out a two-all tie after two periods.  After a scoreless third period and overtime, the Islanders finally defeat the Flyers in a shootout.  Both Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac played their first game as New York Islanders, mustering just three total shots in goal.  The Islanders got goals from Brock Nelson and Jordan Eberle.