Mathew Barzal of the Islanders skates against the Golden Knights at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on Dec. 5. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Islanders will resume their season in good position to earn a second straight playoff berth but with a challenging second half to navigate in order to qualify.
Christmas brought Day 2 of the NHL’s three-day holiday break and the Islanders will open a three-game road trip on Friday night against the Blackhawks, possibly facing their former goalie and still fan favorite Robin Lehner.
The second-place Islanders (23-9-3) lost to the Blue Jackets, 3-2, on Monday night at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum.