Barzal Joins Islanders Road Trip as Return Nears

The Islanders left for a two-week stretch on November 8 with injured forwards Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli, along with defenseman Ryan Pulock, traveling with the team. Barzal could return during the California portion of the trip, while Pulock appears farther from playing after skating in a noncontact jersey on Saturday. His initial recovery estimate was two to four weeks.

The trip begins with Monday’s game against the Sharks. Five of the Islanders’ next six games are on the road, and eight of their next nine are against teams that were at or below .500 on Sunday morning. The team enters the stretch 7-6-3.

The Islanders lost their final two home games, against New Jersey and Carolina. Both were season-worst performances for the team in expected goals allowed at five-on-five, with the New Jersey game particularly poor by that measure. The team has also been dealing with injuries across its forward group and defense.

Coach Pete DeBoer said the imbalance in power-play chances against Carolina affected momentum and carried over into five-on-five play. The Islanders faced four opposing power plays and did not receive one of their own.

Barzal and Maccelli’s returns could strengthen the forward lines and ease pressure on the defense by improving possession and forechecking. The Islanders have an opportunity to recover from the homestand and gain ground in the playoff race during a stretch with many games against struggling opponents.