Newsday · Jan 30, 2020
Islanders look to shake the rust after their long break
Mathew Barzal of the Islanders looks on late in the third period against the Washington Capitals at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Saturday Jan. 18, 2020. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The in-season vacation was welcome, even necessary. The Islanders readily admitted to physical and mental exhaustion when they headed into their 10-day All-Star Game/bye week break.
Some players went to Arizona. Some traveled to the Caribbean. One went to Iceland. Mathew Barzal was in St. Louis for his second straight All-Star Game.
But well-rested can’t become overly-rusted as the Islanders battle to maintain a playoff spot.