UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The surprising Islanders are starting the second half on a down note as top-line forward Kyle Okposo will miss 6-8 weeks with an upper-body injury.
Islanders coach Jack Capuano delivered the news Monday after the first practice following the NHL All-Star break. Okposo, who played in New York's first 46 games this season, is second on the club with 44 points, one fewer than All-Star John Tavares. He has 14 goals, including four against Pittsburgh on Jan. 16.
Okposo played three days later against Philadelphia and practiced Tuesday before the break.
"I kind of had an idea before the break, but it definitely comes as a shock," Capuano said Monday. "Kyle's play is dictating how we go and the pace we play with."
Crosby sitting out: Penguins All-Star center Sidney Crosby will miss tonight's game against Winnipeg after treatment for a lower-body injury. Coach Mike Johnston says Crosby could return Wednesday at Washington. The two-time MVP missed the weekend's All-Star Game festivities.
Jagr had mumps: According to the Record in Bergen, N.J., Devils forward Jaromir Jagr had the mumps and the flu last week but returned to practice. He missed New Jersey's past three games before the All-Star break.
Flyer banned eight games: The league suspended Flyers forward Zac Rinaldo for eight games for charging and boarding Penguins defenseman Kris Letang. Rinaldo is considered a repeat offender and will lose $73,170.72 in salary.
Around the league: Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, a former Vezina Trophy winner, will miss 4-6 weeks (groin). … Colorado defenseman Erik Johnson is out 3-8 weeks (knee). … The Kings waived Mike Richards, who has been part of the team's two Stanley Cup titles in the past three seasons. … Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa will miss 6-8 weeks after having hand surgery, Vancouver's 1150-AM radio reported. … The Sabres suspended rookie defenseman Nikita Zadorov an undetermined amount of time for failing to report on time after the All-Star break.