Barry Trotz lamented Monday there have been so many breaks to the Islanders’ schedule already, either scheduled or because of COVID-19 postponements, the coach didn’t "know when the season started for us, really."
Mathew Barzal certainly understands.
The top-line center is back practicing after missing three games while in COVID-19 protocol and will be available when the Islanders again restart their season following the NHL’s extended holiday break on Wednesday night against the Red Wings at UBS Arena. Barzal tested positive on Dec. 14 in Detroit and was forced to quarantine there.
"It was tough finding out I was positive," Barzal said after Monday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.