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Backhand shelved: Isles’ Nielsen out a month with broken hand

Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders

during the first period of an NHL hockey game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on February 8, 2014 in Uniondale, New York.

Paul Bereswill

The Olympic break might be coming at the best time for the New York Islanders and Frans Nielsen.

Isles GM Garth Snow says Nielsen will miss a month of action after suffering a broken hand on Saturday night, as Arthur Staple of Newsday shares.

Nielsen was injured when he was slashed by Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson. Johnson was suspended for two games for his stick work.

Losing Nielsen puts the Islanders at major two-way disadvantage. He’s third on the team in points and is one of (if not their best) defensive forward. He’s also arguably their best performer in the shootout.

Times have been rough enough for the Isles as they’re winless in seven of their past eight games. Going without Nielsen for at least a couple weeks once Olympic break is over won’t make matters any easier.

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