Islanders tab Berube to receive second career start vs. Wild
The New York Islanders raised a few eyebrows on Tuesday morning by naming Jean-Francois Berube their starting goaltender in their first game following the NHL All-Star break.
While the Islanders have been idle since Jan. 25, Berube has been quite active - winning all four of his starts with Bridgeport of the American Hockey League over the last two weeks. The 24-year-old Quebec native posted an 0.97 goals-against average and .967 save percentage during that stretch with the Sound Tigers.
Capuano: Berube in net tonight. Mayfield in for Strait. #Isles pic.twitter.com/5kZoTfBYgJ
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 2, 2016
Berube, who will face the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, put forth a strong effort in his lone career NHL start - turning aside 30 shots in a 4-1 setback to the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 10.
Berube was 4-0 in Bridgeport with a 0.97 GAA and .967 SV% over the last 2 weeks. #Isles want to get him in the lineup and he's in a rhythm
— Cory Wright (@WrightsWay) February 2, 2016
Berube joined Scott Mayfield in being recalled from Bridgeport on Monday, just one day removed from the NHL's All-Star Game. The former had completed a conditioning stint with the Sound Tigers while the latter provides insurance should fellow defenseman Johnny Boychuk be unable to return from his over-month-long absence due to a shoulder injury.
Berube four goals against in four games. #BST
— Michael Fornabaio (@fornabaioctp) January 31, 2016
The 32-year-old Boychuk has been sidelined since missing an attempted check on Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel on Dec. 31.
Mayfield said it was good to get consecutive games with BST. Says he feels he's a part of both teams, so good to help them go 3-0 #Isles
— Cory Wright (@WrightsWay) February 2, 2016
Jaroslav Halak fell to 2-3-1 in his last six starts following a 4-2 setback to the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 25. The 30-year-old will serve as Berube's backup on Tuesday as the Islanders (25-16-6) battle the Wild (23-17-9).
