The NHL and the NHL Players Association announced on Saturday relaxed COVID-19 protocols for the playoffs and the offseason for teams in which 85% of the 56-person maximum traveling party has been fully immunized, meaning two weeks after the second dose.
It’s not known whether the playoff-bound Islanders meet that criteria, but coach Barry Trotz thinks the loosening of restrictions will be a benefit to teams.
"It’s been a grind for a lot of players," Trotz said before Saturday’s game against the Devils at Nassau Coliseum. "It will be an ease for players that, ‘Hey, this has been worth it.