New York Islanders left wing Matt Martin sets before a faceoff against the Washington Capitals in the first period at Nassau Coliseum on April 22, 2021. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
There he was, none other than Anders Lee, on Monday morning in Boston, skating on his own after Islanders teammates had completed an optional skate, in the early stages of his eventual return from a torn ACL three months ago.
He cannot help on the ice in a second-round playoff series against the Bruins, but seeing the captain in a practice jersey was a reminder that he has been around the team all along – and a reminder of an Islanders strength.