Islanders vs. Ducks game thread: Barzal’s back!

The Islanders are in Anaheim Satuday night to finish off their three-game California trip, and they’ve got a big boost to wrap this up: Mat Barzal returns to the lineup after a long battle “rebuilding [his] leg,” according to the skilled forward.

The Islanders activated Barzal and put Kyle MacLean on waivers.

Barzal led the stretch at the morning skate, then shared with media what his journey has been like. He said he feels more optimistic about his chances of maintaining desired strength and mobility than he has in a long time.

The Ducks, at 10-8-1, are theoretically the toughest foe of this swing. But if the Isles get two points and have a healthy Barzal getting back into the flow, it will…