" As the Islanders stumbled home from two bad losses in Anaheim and Phoenix, there was a chance that some reinforcements might be waiting in the wings.

Goaltender Al Montoya and forward David Ullstrom, both out since Dec. 21 with concussions, are scheduled to practice with the team Monday. Montoya had been the Isles' No. 1 goaltender before Evander Kane caught him with a stick to the head in Winnipeg 19 days ago. Montoya had started 10 of the previous 12 games, and the Islanders were 6-4-2 in that span.

Evgeni Nabokov has started the past eight games in goal, and though he looked sharp in winning three straight, he allowed nine goals on only 45 shots in the two losses this past weekend and could use a rest.

Montoya won't be ready for Tuesday's visit from the Detroit Red Wings, and Anders Nilsson has been sitting as Nabokov's backup for two weeks, so he might not be a good choice to play."