Right-side defenseman Ryan Pulock, who has been playing impressive hockey as of late, is in the third year of an eight-year deal worth $6.15 million. Left-side defenseman Adam Pelech, who is also in the third year of an eight-year deal, carries an annual cap hit of $5.75 million.

The New York Islanders (17-19-7) woke up this morning in 15th place in the Eastern Conference, with a seven-point gulf between them and a playoff spot. After a total no-show 2-0 defeat to the Ottawa Senators,

When I was talking to Scott Mayfield last week in Las Vegas for a piece on what’s been a quietly resurgent season for No. 24, he said something that did not make it into the story but which caught my ear. “I think for us, we have a goal in here, and that’s to make playoffs and to win a Stanley Cup,” he said.