MONTREAL — That top line didn’t last very long.
The Islanders practiced Wednesday on Long Island without right-wing Jordan Eberle, labeled as “day-to-day” with an upper-body injury. He was set to travel with the club for Thursday night’s match against the Canadiens, but it was unknown if he was going to be available.
Eberle skated next to Mat Barzal and Anders Lee for the previous five games, including Tuesday night’s 5-0 drubbing by the Bruins at the Coliseum, when he didn’t seem to miss any shifts. He was even on the ice when the game ended. The new combination helped Eberle break a drought of 18 games without a goal when he netted his 14th of the season Sunday at Minnesota.
Taking his spot on that top line for Wednesday’s practice was Andrew Ladd, who has struggled to find his legs since returning in late-February from a three-month absence due to a lower-body injury.
Winger Cal Clutterbuck practiced in his regular spot next to Matt Martin and Casey Cizikas, though he had left Tuesday night’s game midway through the second period with what the team called an “upper-body injury.” Clutterbuck said he felt good after practice and was ready to go.
Tuesday wasn’t his best night on the ice. He had a puck bounce over his stick while trying to break out of his own zone (resulting in the Bruins’ second goal early in the second period) and later in he period he took a knee to the back during an awkward fall to the ice while on the power play.
The Islanders are dealing with a few injuries, so coach Barry Trotz was asked if he would consider dressing a lopsided lineup with seven defensemen — a position of depth, as veteran Johnny Boychuk has been out for five straight games, four as a healthy scratch.
“Not a big seven ‘D’ guy,” Trotz said. “I think it’s just hard for rhythm for guys, from that standpoint. I haven’t thought about that.”
If regular winger Tom Kuhnhackl plays some center, he has a good role model. His father, Erich Kuhnhackl, played the position and was named Germany’s “Ice Hockey Player of the 20th Century” after competing in the top league of their native country from 1968 through 1989 and representing West Germany in five Olympics.
“Not much changes,” Kuhnhackl said of the switch to center, “except maybe I have to work a little bit on my faceoffs.”