Both Barry Trotz and his Islanders players are attempting to balance flexibility and focus as much as they ever have in their careers.
Such are the demands of trying to play through a COVID-19 outbreak that leaves the coach uncertain from hour to hour who he might have available to dress.
The Islanders hosted the Maple Leafs and ex-captain John Tavares on Sunday night after opening their $1.1 billion UBS Arena with a makeshift lineup in a 5-2 loss to the Flames the previous night.
"It’s a little bit of adversity for our group," right wing Kyle Palmieri said after Saturday’s loss, the Islanders’ fifth in a row.