CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — The Charlottetown Islanders will look to duplicate the effort and get a different result tonight in the rematch with the Halifax Mooseheads.
The Herd defeated the Isles 4-1 Wednesday in Charlottetown. The teams play tonight at 7 p.m. in Halifax.
“The important message is not to panic,” Islanders head coach Jim Hulton said Thursday morning. “We don't have to change a heck of a lot from last night.”
Hulton said it was a trap game after the Islanders went 2-1 on a Quebec road trip and came back to Charlottetown for a midweek game.
“I was surprised that our energy level was as high as it was,” the bench boss said.
The Islanders play their final game before the Christmas break Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Eastlink Centre against the Cape Breton Eagles.
Hulton said they are not implementing technical changes this week as it is more about focus and energy with the break quickly approaching.
Matthew Welsh is expected to start the next two games.
Defenceman Noah Laaouan is questionable for tonight’s game with an upper-body injury. He was acquired almost a year ago in a deal that sent Derek Gentile to Cape Breton.
Laaouan has played primarily on the top pair next to Lukas Cormier during his time in Charlottetown. With Cormier missing a big section of the first half, people have grown a greater appreciation of Laaouan’s game.
“He’s been an absolute stud on the back end,” Hulton said. “With all the injuries, he’s probably – under the radar – been our MVP of the first half.”
Laaouan, 18, plays heavy minutes, blocks shots, plays in all situations and is always willing to hop over the boards for another shift.
“The whole group needs a rest, physically and mentally. Physically, Noah needs it,” Hulton said.
