Struggling Strome Back in Islanders' Lineup For Friday's Game At Florida

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Ryan Strome was supposed to be an answer this season for the Islanders, but so far has been one of their biggest question marks.

The talented-but-struggling forward was recalled from AHL Bridgeport on Thanksgiving Day and will be in the lineup Friday when the Islanders travel to Sunrise, Florida, to play the Panthers.

"I settled down a little bit, got my feet under me and got back to the basics," Strome said of the demotion to the team's official website. "I really wanted to become better out of it, it really helped me."

Strome has all the skills to be a solid NHL player, and after putting up 50 points in 2014-15 was expected to be a major contributor this season. However, he was nonexistent through his first 12 games, recording just a goal and five points, and as a result was sent to Bridgeport on Nov. 6.

The 22-year-old center/winger had four points in eight games with the Sound Tigers, most recently scoring in Bridgeport's loss to Albany on Wednesday. He will skate Friday with veterans Mikhail Grabovski and Nikolay Kulemin, and see some time on the power play, head coach Jack Capuano said.

"One of the biggest motivators were the guys here," Strome said. "I didn't expect anyone to reach out and call me, so that really meant the world to me. Obviously my family was so helpful and the coaches down there were really, really good with me as well and deserve a lot of credit as well."

The Islanders (11-8-3) really need Strome to get going as they are off to a somewhat slow start, sitting tied for seventh place in the East. New York started last season 16-6 on its way to 101 points and a spot in the playoffs.