Griffin Reinhart is expected to play in Game 5 versus Washington on Thursday, according to Newsday's Arthur Staple.

Reinhart is expected to play in Game 5 versus Washington on Thursday, reports Newsday's Arthur Staple.

Analysis:

The Islanders will be down two starting defensemen in Travis Hamonic (knee) and Lubomir Visnovsky (concussion), so someone will have to step and play, and Reinhart was chosen over Ryan Pulock. Reinhart will have to shake off some nerves early, but the team will more than likely keep his shifts short, depending on how the game progresses. He's the Isles' top defensive prospect, but throwing Reinhart into a pivotal Game 5 is not ideal.