It should go without saying that every NHL team is hoping to avoid a COVID-19 outbreak, for obvious health reasons, and, from a pure hockey standpoint, to avoid scheduling difficulties or having to dress a depleted roster. But the Islanders had trouble avoiding long-term injuries last season with defenseman Adam Pelech, Cal Clutterbuck, Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin all missing significant stretches. It nearly kept the Islanders from the postseason, and had the pandemic not halted the season, it’s questionable whether the Islanders would have qualified. The Islanders may not have the depth to overcome more of the same.
Five keys to the Islanders' season
