A little hope for the Islanders and for poolers waiting on Mathew Barzal. The forward, defenceman Ryan Pulock and forward Matias Maccelli all missed Monday's 3-2 shootout loss in San Jose. But coach Peter DeBoer said there is a chance all three play before the three-game road trip ends on Saturday.
Barzal still waiting for his first game
Barzal, dealing with a knee injury, wore a noncontact jersey at the morning skate. He has still not played this season after reaggravating the injury before training camp. He led the Islanders with 72 points, including 19 goals and 53 assists, in 81 games last season.
Maccelli, dealing with a lower-body injury, also wore a noncontact jersey. He missed a ninth straight game since his October 17 injury. He has six points, with two goals and four assists, in eight games. Pulock, dealing with an upper-body injury, skated in a regular jersey, but he missed a fourth straight game.
What it means for poolers
If you have Barzal stashed, hold him. A return this week is possible and he remains the Islanders' top scorer when healthy. Pulock, who already skated in a regular jersey, looks closest to returning. Watch the morning skates before each game on the trip.
Sources
The details above come from the NHL Status Report on NHL.com.