The New York Islanders have announced that defenceman Johnny Boychuk is sidelined for for three or four weeks with a lower-body injury. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello announced the injury to the media on Friday.
Lamoriello: Johnny Boychuk is out 3-4 weeks with a lower-body injury. Clutterbuck and Mayfield are taking a maintenance day. #Isles
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 19, 2019
Johnny Boychuk Injured
The 35-year-old defenseman was injured blocking a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Marcus Pettersson in the second period of the Islanders’ 3-1 win in Game 4 that completed a sweep in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference First Round. He handed out one assist in four games during the opening round.
Boychuk has scored three goals and 16 assists for 19 points in 74 games this season. The Edmonton native added 25 penalty minutes. His possession numbers are 46.0 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -2.7
He has played for the Colorado Avalanche, Boston Bruins and New York Islanders. Boychuk has 52 goals and 143 assists for 195 career points in 661 career games. Colorado originally drafted him in the second round, 61st overall of the 2002 NHL Draft.
“Any time you lose a regular, it’s a loss,” Lamoriello added when he addressed the media. “But, fortunately for us, we have the depth at defense and players are ready. It gives an opportunity to another player.”
Cal Clutterbuck and Scott Mayfield also did not practice on Friday. Lamoriello said both got maintenance days and both will likely be ready for the second-round series next week.
What This Means for the Future
Thomas Hickey will likely draw into the lineup in place of Boychuk. The experienced Boychuk was playing on a defensive pair along with Nick Leddy. They were effective at locking down Sidney Crosby and rest of the Pittsburgh lineup.
The good news is there will be a wait for the Islanders as they await the winner of the Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals series. New York has advanced to the second round for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
PHILADELPHIA, PA. – New York Islanders defenceman Johnny Boychuk faces off with Philadelphia Flyers Dale Weise on Oct. 27. (Kate Frese/Last Word on Hockey)
