It’s really good news for the New York Islanders top-line winger Kyle Okposo will return to the lineup Tuesday night against the New York Rangers, After missing the last 22 games playing for the first time since undergoing eye surgery to repair a detached retina, due to a detached retina in his eye, not having played in a game, prior to the All-Star break.
He is the big factor for the New York islanders and doubt that Okposo has also been a factor in the two games he’s played against the Rangers this year, with a goal and an assist over the season series to date. He is the Isles’ best top-line complement to captain and NHL points’ leader John Tavares (72). On the other hand Okposo ranks second on the Islanders with 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 46 games.
After the grand return Okposo told “I felt great. Ever since I stepped on the ice, I haven’t had any hesitations,”
Before having to take the time off to let his eye heal, Okposo was averaging nearly a point-per-game with 14 goals and 30 assists in 46 games.
In his career he didn’t break out until the 2013-14 campaign when he recorded 27 goals and 69 points in 71 contests. He showed he could maintain that high level of play by scoring 14 goals and 44 points in 46 contests this season before being sidelined.
In a report Okposo had 44 points (including 14 goals) in 46 games for the Islanders before his injury, skating to a minus-2.
At the same time The Islanders have posted a respectable 12-7-3 record during his absence and are in the running for the Presidents’ Trophy. With Okposo back though, they’re in a far better position going into the playoffs. They’ll play against the New York Rangers tonight.