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PHT Morning Skate: Islanders leaning on MacDonald even more

Andrew MacDonald

Andrew MacDonald #47 of the New York Islanders carries the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2013 in Uniondale, New York. (October 7, 2013 - Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America)

PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.

New York Islanders defenseman Andrew MacDonald is getting more minutes with the man advantage while Lubomir Visnovsky recovers from a concussion. The Islanders were already leaning heavily on MacDonald and he ended up logging 31:26 minutes in the team’s 5-4 overtime defeat to the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday. (Newsday)

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Chris Kunitz talks about the Olympics and playing on a line with Sidney Crosby. (Penguins.nhl.com)

Editor’s Note: Pro Hockey Talk’s partner FanDuel is hosting a $1,500 Fantasy Hockey league that includes Wednesday and Thursday’s NHL games. It’s just $10 to join and first prize is $400. Starts Wednesday at 7:30pm ET. Here’s the link.

Vancouver Canucks coach John Tortorella was asked about the New York Rangers struggles since he was fired, but he wouldn’t take the bait. “I don’t work there anymore and I’m certainly not going to criticize,” Tortorella said. (Newsday)

Newly retired goaltender Martin Biron singled out Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Smyth as his toughest opponent during his 16-season career. (NHLPA)

The New Jersey Devils are turning to video of retired forward Tomas Holmstrom to help them with their power play. (The Star-Ledger)

Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman took was in attendance for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ game against the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday. Although he went there to evaluate some of the Canadian talent, projected Team USA forward Phil Kessel stole the show with his hat trick. (Toronto Star)

The Penguins didn’t alter their roster much over the summer, but that doesn’t mean that nothing’s changed since their elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)

Hightlights from Minnesota’s 2-0 win over Nashville:

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