The Islanders are nearly two weeks away from the start of the regular season, but injuries are already taking a toll under rookie head coach Scott Gordon.
With defensemen Chris Campoli and Andy Sutton both out with undisclosed injuries, the Isles claimed former Ranger D Thomas Pock off of waivers yesterday.
Pock played in just one game with the Blueshirts a year ago, but may need to contribute more this season should Campoli and Sutton be sidelined for any length of time. He has played in 59 career NHL games and scored seven goals with seven assists.
Despite the injury woes that have slowed some, the players sounded pleased with the organization’s direction under Gordon as they started training camp again in Long Island yesterday after spending a week of camp in Canada.
“It’s a system we can all buy into,” Mike Comrie said. “It’s up-tempo, which fits me. If you’re a creative player, it’s great.”
And if you’re in shape.
“It’s a different style of practice this year,” Gordon said. “The guys who have been able to get through it have come from different organizations. It’s no one’s fault, just a different style. I’ve been kind of taken aback by all the hip flexor and groin issues we’ve had.”
Bill Guerin is still recovering from shoulder surgery, but has noticed the changes.
“Every coach has a different style, so Scott’s is different than Ted [Nolan]’s,” Guerin said. “We needed more structure, especially in today’s game.” Now, they just have to get used to it.