Fantasy hockey has taken on an alternative meaning for Islanders coach Barry Trotz. It’s also now the ideal of playing with a full roster.
Top-six center Brock Nelson was added to the COVID-19 protocol list on Tuesday. He will join fellow forwards Anthony Beauvillier, Cal Clutterbuck, Zach Parise and Oliver Wahlstrom as unavailable after testing positive as the Islanders resume their season following the NHL’s extended holiday break against the similarly-depleted Red Wings on Wednesday night at UBS Arena.
Matt Martin and defenseman Robin Salo are expected to be activated off COVID-19 protocol for Wednesday’s game.
Still, the last-place Islanders (8-12-6), whose last game was a 4-3 shootout loss to visiting Vegas on Dec.