New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal will skate with the team this weekend and is getting closer to a return from a lower-body injury that has sidelined him since mid-February, general manager Lou Lamoriello said Saturday.
The Islanders (39-28-9, 87 points) have six games remaining in the regular season, including Saturday's matchup vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. New York currently holds the first wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, three points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Barzal, 25, has been out since taking a hit from Boston Bruins forward Craig Smith on Feb.