Isles RW Zednik returns for playoff opener

 

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -Richard Zednik returned Thursday for the Islanders’ playoff-opener against the Buffalo Sabres after the New York forward missed nine games attending a family emergency in Slovakia.
Acquired in February in a trade with Washington, Zednik had a goal and two assists in 10 games with the Islanders. He finished with seven goals and 21 points in 42 games this season.
The Islanders also welcomed back defenseman Bruno Gervais, who missed 24 games with ankle injuries. He had six assists in 51 games.
New York, which clinched the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff berth with a 3-2 shootout win over New Jersey on Sunday, was still minus numerous regulars, including goaltender Rick DiPietro (concussion), Shawn Bates (sports hernia) and Chris Simon (suspension)