SUNRISE, Fla. — Defenseman Thomas Hickey was in the Islanders’ lineup for Thursday night’s game against the Panthers at BB&T Center after being a healthy scratch the previous six games.
But Hickey’s return to the lineup could be short-lived as he has yet to regain his status as a regular after missing 29 games with a head injury from Dec. 18-Feb. 23.
Coach Barry Trotz opted to sit Johnny Boychuk, most likely to give him a rest before the NHL playoffs open on Wednesday, and paired Hickey with Nick Leddy.
Hickey has been a regular for the Islanders since the former fourth overall pick in 2007 was claimed off waivers from the Kings on Jan.