Islanders' Ryan Strome: Expected to be sidelined long term

Strome has been ruled out of the Islanders' next two contests and will likely be sidelined longer than that, NHL.com's Brian Compton reports.

Analysis:

The Islanders are currently in a battle for the last wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, and their chances of securing that final playoff bid will take a significant blow if Strome is sidelined for long. The 23-year-old pivot has only officially been ruled out of the Isles' next two games, but a more concrete timetable for his recovery should be released in the coming days. Alan Quine will likely slot into the lineup Friday against the Penguins in Strome's absence.