It was not quite the only reason I got out of bed this time, but for the second time already this season, I went to Harbor Yard looking to see if Christopher Gibson was there. This time, even from across the rink, he clearly wasn’t. The guy in net was a little smaller, with white-and-red pads and a plain white helmet.
Took a walk around to see if I could get a better look. And then he took the mask off. It was goalie coach Chris Terreri, mere veteran of 406 NHL games.
Having never gotten Leni DiCostanzo a start down here, I tried to get Terreri one and asked which game he’ll get this weekend. Brent Thompson did not miss a beat and said Terreri will play two out of three. (Obviously both of us were kidding. I think, at least.)
The Gibson recall, spelling Robin Lehner after the goalie left last night’s game in Pittsburgh, wasn’t announced until after the two teams practiced across the Sound from each other. The Islanders sent Tom Kuhnhackl, fresh off a goal in his return to the Burgh, to Bridgeport to make room on the 23-man. The Big Club plays at home Thursday, Saturday and Monday. One ventures that, if Gibson is to be up through Friday, Mitch Gillam will be on his way up from Worcester. (Neat new mask presumably comes with him.)
Kuhnhackl, who cleared waivers back on Oct. 2, was about the Islanders’ only immediate option to free a roster spot without resorting to IR (though I don’t think Bridgeport would complain if they want to send them Beauvillier or Barzal). He just barely counts as a full veteran. Eight. Incredible. Meanwhile, Tanner Fritz returned to practice, on a line with Kieffer Bellows and Stephen Gionta.
First day back at Harbor Yard since Monster Jam, too. They are cleaning hard.
Paul Hendrick notes that Bolton’s Ron Hainsey will play his 1,000th NHL game tomorrow.
And RIP, Frank Litsky and Derby native Bob Skoronski.