The New York Islanders’ 4-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night could become a pivotal moment for the team early in the season.
First, they lost Cal Ritchie on the opening shift before Matias Maccelli went down late in the first period. Both left with lower-body injuries, which appeared to involve their left knees, and did not return.
That meant head coach Pete DeBoer had to navigate the rest of the game with just 10 forwards.
Guys stepped up and got the job done.
Here are 20 thoughts on the game and what happens next if players have to miss time: