Halak's status uncertain for Islanders' season opener
The New York Islanders will begin their first season at Barclays Center on Friday against the Chicago Blackhawks, but they may face the reigning Stanley Cup champions without their No. 1 goalie.
Jaroslav Halak only played two periods in the preseason due to an upper-body injury, and it's still not known whether the 30-year-old will be healthy enough to play in the home opener.
"He got a good sweat in the past couple days down, he did a lot of work, he was on the ice early," coach Jack Capuano told Newsday on Wednesday. "We'll have to see how he feels tomorrow and then tie it all together.
"You don't want to rush things, especially with a guy in that important position for us."
If Halak is unable to go this week, newly acquired backup Thomas Greiss would start Friday and recent waiver claim Jean-Francois Berube could get the start Saturday as the Islanders finish their doubleheader in Chicago.
Halak had a 38-17-4 record last season with a .914 save percentage and 2.43 goals-against average.