The timing made the cliche true.
The Islanders didn’t make a move before Monday’s trade deadline, but they did get two key pieces back into the lineup for what they considered their own internal additions.
Defenseman Thomas Hickey and forward Andrew Ladd returned from long-term injuries in the 3-1 loss to the Flames at the Coliseum on Tuesday, and coach Barry Trotz was rather pleased with their performances.
“I thought both of them actually did pretty well,” Trotz said. “You can tell there is a little bit of rust, just some puck stuff. I thought both of them, they served a real good game up against a tough opponent.