The New York Islanders’ playoff push is about to receive a big boost. According to the team’s general manager Lou Lamoriello, All-Star forward Mathew Barzal was cleared to resume skating and is expected to be back in the lineup sooner than later.
Barzal hasn’t played since mid-February after suffering a lower-body injury in a 6-2 loss to the Boston Bruins. The Islanders initially designated him as “week-to-week,” but the 25-year-old ended up missing more time than expected.
“How long it takes, I couldn’t tell you, but he will begin skating either today or tomorrow. We’ll just go from there,” Lamoriello told reporters when asked about Barzal’s status.
Despite being out for a month and a half, Barzal remains second on the Islanders in points with 14 goals and 37 assists.
While the NY Islanders managed to weather Mathew Barzal’s absence quite well, going 11-6-2 in his absence, there is no doubt that his return will mean a lot for the team. They are currently holding a wild-card spot in their hands, but have the Florida Panthers and the Pittsburgh Penguins breathing down their neck.
Barzal was drafted 16th overall by the Islanders in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2016-17 season and 362 points in 420 career games. He signed an eight-year, $73.2 million contract extension with the franchise last offseason.
