Johnny Boychuk (upper body) is expected to return for either or both of the Islanders' back-to-back weekend games.

Boychuk (upper body) is expected to return for either or both of the Islanders' back-to-back weekend games.

Analysis:

Coach Jack Capuano said after Wednesday's practice that Boychuk was "coming along" well with his recovery from the injury, foreshadowing an impending return for the blueliner. Prior to suffering the injury, Boychuk had seen his production slow from his red-hot first few weeks of the season. Even so, he still has an impressive 14 points and plus-7 rating over 21 contests.