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Sickness hits Islanders, sidelining two defensemen

Pittsburgh Penquins v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 22: Calvin de Haan #44 of the New York Islanders in action against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 22, 2014 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders defeated the Penguins 4-1. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHLI via Getty Images

It’s that time of year in which teams get afflicted with various “sicknesses,” although good luck getting a straight answer about which specific ailments are causing problems, especially considering the mumps epidemic that hit the West in particular.

So, we’re left to our own devices regarding what precious illness is sidelining two New York Islanders defensemen, but both Calvin de Haan (pictured) and Thomas Hickey can’t play against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.

New York Newsday’s Arthur Staple points out that this opens the door for Matt Donovan to return to the lineup after 20 straight games as a healthy scratch.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins