Islanders' Boychuk out for 4 weeks over injury

The New York Islanders will continue their quest for the Stanley Cup without defenseman Johnny Boychuk, who is expected to miss three to four weeks with a lower-body injury, the team announced Friday. Boychuk was injured Tuesday when he blocked a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson in the second period of the Islanders' Game 4 win to sweep the series.

"Anytime you lose a regular, it's a loss," Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello said, per NHL.com. "But fortunately for us we have the depth on defense and players are ready. It gives an opportunity to another player." Boychuk, 35, had 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 74 regular-season games during his fifth season with the Islanders.

The Islanders next will meet the winner of the series between the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes, currently tied at 2. Their next game is Saturday night in Raleigh, N.C.