Islanders' Johnny Boychuk: Ruled out Friday

Boychuk (lower body) will not play Friday against the Penguins, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Analysis:

The heavy-shooting blueliner has only played two games this month and he's now looking at his 10th straight absence. Per this latest report, he was on the ice ahead of the rest of the team Friday morning, so that's at least a step in the right direction.