Josh Bailey of the Islanders celebrates his first period goal against the Rangers with teammate Anthony Beauvillier at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
It certainly seems the Islanders’ combined All-Star break/bye week vacation couldn’t come at a better time for an admittedly exhausted team.
And perhaps for coach Barry Trotz to spend a few days away from Mathew Barzal after getting frustrated enough with his All-Star prioritizing individual play over the team framework to bench him in the third period of Tuesday night’s 4-2 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.