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Islanders lose Kyle Okposo, Lubomir Visnovsky

San Jose Sharks v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 14: Kyle Okposo #21 of the New York Islanders skates during an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on March 14, 2014 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Paul Bereswill

Maybe the fact that the New York Islanders have already been essentially eliminated from the playoffs is the silver lining for them at this point, because the string of injuries they’ve had to endure would be pretty devastating otherwise.

Defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky missed Friday’s practice due to an upper-body injury and forward Kyle Okposo left the ice early with lower-body problems, according to Newsday.

There’s no timetable for Okposo’s recovery yet, but Islanders coach Jack Capuano conceded that they need to be particularly cautious with injuries now that they have nothing left to play for. Even still, Okposo was the last remaining member of the Islanders’ once great first line that also consisted of John Tavares (knee) and Thomas Vanek, who was dealt to Montreal.

For Visnovsky, this is the latest setback for him after he missed 46 games earlier this season with a concussion. He returned on Jan. 27 and has 11 points in 24 games this season.

Like Okposo, there’s no timetable for the 37-year-old blueliner’s return, but he’s doubtful for Sunday’s contest versus the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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