Three more Islanders players were placed in COVID-19 protocol on Saturday, bringing to five the number of regulars the team has lost to the illness and six overall who have tested positive.
The sobering news contrasted with the elation that opening the $1.1 billion UBS Arena has brought to the organization and its fans.
President and general manager Lou Lamoriello said defensemen Adam Pelech and Andy Greene tested positive on Friday and Anthony Beauvillier tested positive on Saturday. They join captain Anders Lee, Josh Bailey and Ross Johnston in COVID-19 protocol. Top-pair defenseman Ryan Pulock (lower body) was already out for four to six weeks.