The New York Islanders cannot rely on a slow return for their star center if they want to reach the postseason. The team currently sits at 7-6-4 and trails the playoff line by three points. They are also four points behind the wild card spot after losing four straight games. Mathew Barzal has not played since April and missed the entire training camp. His health is the only way the team climbs back into the race, but a quick fix is not guaranteed.
Coach Pete DeBoer knows that getting Barzal back on the ice does not mean he will be ready to dominate immediately. The team took a day off in Los Angeles before facing the Kings on Thursday. DeBoer pointed out the specific challenge of getting players back after such a long break. “It’s hard to get those guys to game speed and game ready, but we’re working at it,” DeBoer said, according to the New York Post. The Islanders also hope for returns from Ryan Pulock and Matias Maccelli, but the timeline for each player remains unclear. The window to make a push is closing fast while the team struggles with momentum.
The Danger of Rushing a Star
History shows that rushing an injured player often leads to more trouble down the line. Barzal missed the start of the season due to knee inflammation. He has been away from the game for months. A player needs to rebuild their rhythm before they can handle the physical pace of an NHL matchup. The team has already lost two of their last four games in overtime. This pattern suggests the squad is not finding its footing even with the current roster.
DeBoer’s comments on Tuesday served as a reality check for fans expecting an instant fix. The coach emphasized that the team is working hard to get everyone up to speed. The uncertainty of when Barzal, Pulock, or Maccelli will play creates a tense atmosphere. The lack of a set date adds pressure to a team that is already three points out of the playoff picture.
Can the Islanders Catch Up?
The math is not kind to a team that has dropped four straight contests. The Islanders must collect every point to remain alive in the race. If Barzal returns too early and gets hurt again, the season could be over before it really starts. The team must balance the need for talent with the reality of recovery. The coach says he will not set a specific return date but remains focused on the recovery process.
The team plays the Kings in Los Angeles. The team’s tough test against the Kings in Los Angeles could define whether the Islanders can turn their season around or if they will fall further behind. The belief in the locker room is that the injured stars will return soon.
Barzal has not played since April, and the team has no confirmed date for his return. DeBoer said the staff is working to get the players ready, but the timeline varies for each person. The Islanders must hope the recovery process does not take too long. The team is three points shy of a playoff spot heading into Thursday’s match.
