Johnny Boychuk (upper body) was activated from injured reserve Friday.

Boychuk (upper body) was activated from injured reserve Friday.

Analysis:

Boychuk will return to the lineup for Friday's game against the Red Wings for the first time since Nov. 26, an absence that spanned nine games. The Islanders will also get Travis Hamonic (upper body) back Friday, putting the team's top two defensive pairings back in tact.