CHICAGO — Barry Trotz noticed the difference at dinnertime. The coach actually needed to leave the team hotel and find a meal for himself.
The road hasn’t been kind to the Islanders thus far, with two losses resulting from uncharacteristically poor defensive performances to start a franchise-record, 13-game trek. But it has been somewhat different with the easing of COVID-19 guidelines allowing for more personal freedom and socializing.
The Islanders were off on Sunday after Saturday night’s 5-1 loss at Florida, which upped their goals allowed total to 11. They’ll practice at United Center on Monday before facing similarly winless Chicago (0-2-1) on Tuesday night.