Islanders' Hickey will travel on upcoming road trip, could play Saturday

New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey (leg) will travel with the Islanders for their upcoming two-game road trip, and head coach Jack Capuano hopes Hickey will be able to return Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to Newsday's Laura Albanese.

Analysis:

Hickey has been out since Oct. 26 with a leg injury, but has reportedly looked good in practice of late, indicating he's likely on the verge of returning to game action. Although he won't play Wednesday against the Flyers or Friday against Florida, the Islanders' are hoping the 26-year-old blueliner will be good to go Saturday in Tampa Bay. Once healthy, Hickey will likely return to his role skating alongside Marek Zidlicky on the Islanders' third pairing.