DENVER — The Islanders’ depth may be about to be tested.
An otherwise textbook defensive performance against the Avalanche and their lethal top line in a 4-1 win on Monday night at Pepsi Center to open a four-game road trip was marred somewhat by losing top-line center Brock Nelson and second-pair defenseman Thomas Hickey within 29 seconds late in the second period.
The Islanders (16-12-4), who have won consecutive games for the first time since Nov. 23-24, play at Arizona on Tuesday night and it’s uncertain whether either will be available.
Thomas Greiss made 30 saves while Semyon Varlamov stopped 17 shots for the Avalanche (18-10-6).