The Islanders host the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers on Sunday night, but the big news is a return for a guy who has been through some health scares.
Mike Reilly, the defenseman who last played on Nov. 1 when he took a hit to the head, only to discover a heart condition upon further examination, will be in the lineup.
Adam Pelech will be out, making room for Reilly.
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Reilly’s appearance as ready to go was a pleasant shock for teammates:
“It’s almost like they couldn’t believe it, some guys didn’t know until I got on the ice,” Reilly said with a smile when asked about the team’s reaction.