Photo: NHL via Getty Images
The Metropolitan Division pre-season favorite New York Islanders are suffering. After beginning the season on a 13-game road trip while their new arena was being finished, the team went 5-6-2. Then the Islanders lost their first two games on home ice in their new arena, securing their spot in the basement of the Metropolitan Division.
Then things went from bad to worse on Tuesday when it was announced that defenseman Zdeno Chara has become the seventh New York Islanders player to be added to the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. Forwards Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Kieffer Bellows and Ross Johnston, and defensemen Adam Pelech and Andy Greene are also in protocol.
Lou Lamoriello says no possibility of anyone currently in protocol returning for tomorrow’s game. #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) November 23, 2021
Islanders General Manager Lou Lamoriello said he had discussions with the NHL about the Islanders’ schedule on Monday and said as of now, the team is getting ready to play on Wednesday against the New York Rangers.
“There is no decision to my knowledge. We’re preparing to play unless we hear otherwise,” Lamoriello said.
The NHL postponed three Ottawa Senators game last week after they had 10 players on the list. Those were the first NHL games postponed because of COVID this season.
“I have no knowledge of what the threshold is,” Lamoriello said. “I believe that’s in the hands of the doctors both in the National Hockey League and the Players’ Association and the infectious disease people. … I’ve asked the question but I don’t know if there is (an exact number that would cause a postponement).
Lou Lamoriello’s media availability ahead of today’s practice. pic.twitter.com/8JvRZ38mPZ
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 23, 2021
Adding insult to injury, Brock Nelson, who left late in the first period of the loss to the Maple Leafs, is out two to four weeks with a “lower body” injury, joining Ryan Pulock on IR.
#Isles Player Update: Nelson will be out 2-4 weeks with a lower body injury.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) November 23, 2021
The Islanders, who are now 5-8-2 to start the season, will host the New York Rangers on Wednesday.
By Jon Sorensen
It’s crazy how fast the team has plummeted. Long road trip, injuries and now COVID. No one could have predicted they would be in last place.
Very sad for their team, and for everyone Vis a Vis current COVID spreading in the league.
Sure hope Lars will be the beginning and end for our team and that he has a speedy recovery 👍.
With ya, Nonna. All teams are just one contact away from grinding their season to a halt. I suspect Lars is still in Anaheim until he passes a couple of consecutive tests.