The New York Islanders are back from their All-Star Break (which wasn’t a break for Mat Barzal, but he seemed to have lots of fun and never minds that), and they’re just one of four teams to get right back into action tonight, facing the Maple Leafs in Toronto.
They were able to get in a good practice yesterday with Patrick Roy, who still has that new coach fresh scent, and Lou Lamoriello even descended from the mountaintop to give injury updates.
Of critical importance, of course, is their objective to make the playoffs and the ground they have to make up to do so.