Casey Cizikas Recalled; Travis Hamonic Removed from IR

#11 Casey Cizikas will try to add spark to the Islanders offense (Photo: Brian A. Pounds / Connecticut Post) 

           To try and spark a struggling offense, the New York Islanders have recalled center Casey Cizikas, from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.  They are also receiving help on their blue line with the return of defenseman Travis Hamonic from the injured reserved list.  
          To make room for Cizikas and Hamonic, the Isles sent goalie Kevin Poulin and defenseman Aaron Ness back to Bridgeport on loan. 
          The Isles have sputtered out of the gate their last 2 games, scoring only 1 goal in 6 periods of play.  In an effort to spark the club, GM Garth Snow has decided to call up Cizikas who was leading Bridgeport in scoring.  In 51 games this season, Cizikas has 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists).  
          Cizikas has been on a tear since the new year posting an incredible 24 points (9 G, 15 A), leading Bridgeport to a 16-1-0-1 record since January 1st.  Because of his efforts, he represented his squad at the AHL All-Star Classic.  He was also named the Reebok/AHL player of the month for January.  He will now look to spark a struggling Islanders offense.  



#3 Travis Hamonic has been out since February 4th (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)


          The Islanders will also get one of their top young defenseman, Travis Hamonic, back on their blue line.  Hamonic has been out since February 4th, after getting hit in the face with a shot by Buffalo defenseman, Christian Ehrhoff, that left him bloodied and bruised.  The shot broke his nose, which Hamonic got surgery on, along with multiple stitches.  In 51 games with the Isles, Hamonic has 1 goal and 11 assists.  Those are not sexy numbers but with Hamonic his strength is his defense.  He blocks a lot of shots and gets a lot of hits.  The Islanders are looking for more physical play and Hamonic can help them there.  
          The Islanders are getting this help at a crucial time as they look to make a playoff push.  They currently sit 8 points behind the 8th place Florida Panthers as they go into their next game.  They next play their hometown rival Rangers tonight at 7.