Islanders' Tavares on Wilson's hit: 'A complete target of a defenseless player'
The New York Islanders were seething a day after possibly losing veteran defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky on a hit by Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson.
Related: Islanders' Visnovsky crushed by Capitals' Wilson
The team didn't address Visnovsky's status for Game 5, but players had harsh words for the play that forced him from the game.
"We could have easily hit a lot of guys like that too, but we stay within the rules and play the game the right way," Islanders captain John Tavares told Stephen Lorenzo of the New York Daily News. "The puck wasn't even close to where Lubo was, so it was just a complete target of a defenseless player."
New York's blue line is already missing Travis Hamonic, who is sidelined with an apparent knee injury. Capitals forward Brooks Laich suggested knocking out Visnovsky was good strategy for Washington during a radio appearance, lending credibility to Islanders players who believe Wilson intended to hurt the injury-prone 38-year-old.
Related: Capitals' Wilson won't be disciplined for hit on Islanders' Visnovsky
"(Wilson) went in to hurt our guy obviously," Thomas Hickey said. "Lubo is a 5-foot-10 guy with a head injury and you go and make a hit like that ... it's so hard (not to retaliate). Anyone else, I guess it's okay, but with Lubo, you know his head issues. It makes me sick to my stomach to see him hurt and not feeling good."
Islanders coach Jack Capuano is taking the adversity in stride. He's aware of the difficult decisions he faces ahead of Thursday's contest, but insists it's all part of the playoffs.
"If Visnovsky and Hamonic are both out, obviously they're big holes to fill. Who are we kidding? They're two of our best guys back there," Capuano said. "It's a chance and an opportunity for other guys to step up. This happens as you move forward to reach your goal of winning a Stanley Cup whether it's on defense or up front."
Matt Donovan and Griffin Reinhart are two of New York's possible replacements on defense.