As the Islanders jockey for position in the standings and roll toward the playoffs, they'll have to do it without Andrew Ladd.
The left-winger suffered a torn ACL and will have surgery this week, general manager Lou Lamoriello said.
"It's not good news, but it's part of the game," he said.
Ladd played only 26 games this season, as he dealt with a lower-body injury that kept him out from November to February. He managed three goals and eight assists.
The 33-year-old has won two Stanley Cups -- one with Carolina in 2006 and another with the Blackhawks in 2010.
"It's always difficult to lose a veteran who has experience," Lamoriello said. "As you saw, he played extremely well the few games he's played."
Lamoriello expects Ladd to be ready for the start of next season and expects a five-month recovery.