New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey suffered a hand injury and won’t return for the third period against the Boston Bruins on Thursday.
Update: Bad news from New York Newsday’s Arthur Staple: Bailey suffered a broken hand and is out indefinitely.
Bailey, 25, is one of those young Islanders whose progress (or failure to progress) may very well determine if this team will be a dangerous contender in 2014-15.
The ninth pick of the 2008 NHL Draft’s development has been frustrating for the Islanders, yet he’s shown signs of turning the corner in this very young season. With an assist in tonight’s game against Boston, he has four points in seven games. His possession stats have been steadily improving lately, too.
Maybe the most promising sign is that Isles observers are concerned that he might miss some time:
Sign of the apocalypse: Josh Bailey potentially missing playing time is actually a concern these days.
— Daniel Friedman (@DanJFriedman) October 24, 2014
Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara also left this contest with an undisclosed issue. The Islanders ended up winning 3-2 tonight.