EAST MEADOW, NY — On Tuesday night, New York Islanders defenseman Adam Boqvist will replace Scott Mayfield on the backend, with the veteran blueliner serving as a healthy scratch.
Islanders Scott Mayfield A Healthy Scratch Against Rangers EAST MEADOW, NY —
New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy is scratching veteran defenseman Scott Mayfield against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.
Boqvist, who served as a healthy scratch on Sunday in their 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars, had played in all five games since being claimed off waivers from the Florida Panthers on Jan. 31.
He has a goal on eight shots with two hits and two blocks, averaging 16:02 minutes.
Ahead of his return to the lineup, we caught up with Boqvist following Tuesday’s morning skate.
Q: It looked like you were in based on line rushes and everything. Just, after sitting last game, what’s the motivation tonight?
A: ” I think the motivation is that you get an opportunity to play in the best league in the world and try to find a way to get a win here. It’s a pretty important point for us and for the Rangers. It’s gonna be a good game out there tonight.”
Q: It’s your first-ever Islanders vs. Rangers game. How excited are you?
A: “For sure. I played in a couple [of rivalry games] back home in Sweden, and obviously, like Chicago vs. St Louis, but I don’t think there’s anything like this. Obviously, my brother, last year, when he was in Jersey, he played the Rangers and the Islanders. So I’ve heard it’s a good crowd and good intensity in the game. So I’m excited.”
Q: There’s seven, possibly eight of you guys on the blue line competing for playing time. What has the competition been like?
A: “Everyone wants to play every night, right? So you got to bring your A game, every shift and every play you make. It’s healthy for the team, too. The defensemen are going to play their asses off. hopefully, that’ll lean into the rest of the team. Obviously, you don’t want to lose your job or anything like that. So I just want to be at your best.”
Q: What does it mean to you that Patrick Roy elected to go with you tonight?
A: I know what I can do and bring to this team. Things were pretty hectic before the break with waivers and stuff like that. So now I’ve settled in a little bit more, got to know the guys a little bit better, so hopefully, I feel even more comfortable out there.”
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