Islanders' Alexander Romanov: Expected to play

Romanov (upper body) participated in warmups and is expected to play Saturday versus the Sharks, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

Romanov was initially listed as a game-time decision. He is set to return from a three-game absence and should resume his top-pairing role as a shutdown defenseman. He has nine assists, 73 hits and 65 blocked shots over 30 appearances this season.