Islanders' Robin Lehner could return Thursday vs. Montreal

Lehner returned to practice Wednesday eight days after being injured by Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk

3/13/2019, 7:03 PM
Mar 5, 2019; Uniondale, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) is pushed over New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner (40) by New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner
Mar 5, 2019; Uniondale, NY, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) is pushed over New York Islanders goalie Robin Lehner (40) by New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) during the third period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner

Islanders goaltender Robin Lehner returned to practice Wednesday, eight days after being bowled over by Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk. Lehner, who missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, is a "possibility" to return to goal against the Canadiens Thursday night at the Coliseum, Barry Trotz told reporters.

Trotz had to speak with Lehner and the training staff before making a decision. If Lehner doesn't return Thursday, he could return during the Islanders' weekend back-to-back at Detroit and Minnesota.

Christopher Gibson was loaned back to AHL Bridgeport Wednesday afternoon, which means barring anything unforeseen Lehner should at least be active for Thursday's game. Gibson had been up on an emergency basis since Lehner got hurt.

Thomas Greiss has started three straight and the Isles have gone 2-1 in those three games.

Meanwhile, Johnny Boychuk remains sidelined after being hit in the head by Philadelphia's Jakub Voracek on Saturday. Boychuk hasn't skated since getting hurt and is considered day-to-day.

Voracek's two-game suspension was upheld on Wednesday.

 

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