#player-protection

#player-protection

The New York Islanders have been a pleasant surprise this year. First overall pick Matthew Schaefer, who barely played last season because on an injury, has wasted no time being a franchise player. Now the Islanders are contending for a playoff spot in what was expected to be a rebuilding season. That means general manager Mathieu Darche is going to think of what he needs to add to this team.

Over the last two games, a blowout win over the Detroit Red Wings and an OT loss yesterday to the Philadelphia Flyers, the opposition made sure they were physical with Schaefer early and often. At the conclusion of Thursday's game, Mason Appleton of the Red Wings got into it with Schaefer in the dying moments of the game, resulting in the Islanders' cavalry rushing to his side.

"I prefer that the people criticize me, but don't touch the player," Pochettino said. "I hope in the future, criticize me, criticize me, but let the player play free, go and perform." Guided by goals on Tuesday from Alejandro Zendejas and Folarin Balogun, the mid-week result represented a turnaround for the manager that had suffered back-to-back defeats -- and gone seven games without a win -- after Saturday's loss to South Korea. Heading into the match against Japan, Pochettino had overseen losses in six of his 11 previous matches.

"I'm really excited," Reaves said, via NHL.com. "Everybody is asking me, 'Oh, I can't believe you're going to San Jose.' I go where anybody wants me and anybody who wants me I'm excited to do whatever I can for that team and that organization, so I'm excited to get down there."