"With the NHL deadline for teams to finalize their 23-man rosters coming at 3 p.m. tomorrow, the decisions the Islanders have to make got a little easier yesterday.

Nino Niederreiter and Trevor Gillies were both placed on the injured-reserve list, retroactive to Sept. 30 when they both suffered groin strains in a preseason game against the Devils.

Both are expected to miss opening night, Saturday at home against the Panthers, but are scheduled to return in seven to 10 days."