Report: Struggling Islanders To Be Without Hamonic For Up To 3 Weeks

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Nothing is going right for the Islanders right now.

Just a week after learning they'd be without stud defenseman Johnny Boychuk for up to six weeks due to an upper body injury, the Isles now have another big hole to fill along their blue line.

According to Newsday, shutdown defenseman Travis Hamonic could miss up to three weeks with a lower body injury. Hamonic, who is having one of his best seasons from a defensive standpoint, suffered the injury during the 4-1 loss to Washington at Barclays Center last Thursday.

It's highly unlikely the Isles will get either back over the next six games leading into the All-Star break.

Rookie defenseman Adam Pelech was recalled from Bridgeport of the AHL to replace Boychuk and youngster Scott Mayfield has also been recalled. Both will likely continue to battle veterans Marek Zidlicky and Brian Strait for playing time behind Nick Leddy, Calvin de Haan and Thomas Hickey.

Hamonic, who earlier this season requested a trade due to a family issue, has two goals, eight points and an even rating through 41 games.

Once firmly entrenched in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, the Islanders have lost three of their last four and now hold only a three-point lead over the teams tied for ninth place, Tampa Bay and Ottawa, heading into play on Tuesday.

The Isles have scored just once in their last two games, and have been held to one goal or less in 11 of their 42 games this season (all losses). And recently their much-improved defense and goaltending have looked pedestrian, allowing tons of shots and, in some instances, some pretty soft goals.

The Islanders host lowly Columbus on Tuesday before meeting the rival Rangers at Barclays on Thursday.