New York Islanders

Anders Lee ‘Probable’ for Islanders Game Against Columbus

Published

3 years ago

October 20, 2021

It appeared that whatever had been ailing Anders Lee on Tuesday night would only keep him out of the New York Islanders lineup for the one game.

Head coach Barry Trotz said that Lee was probable for Thursday’s game with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Lee was a late scratch on Tuesday due to an illness that was non-COVID related.

On Wednesday, Lee appeared to be back to his old self.

“He rode the bike. He felt much better,” Trotz said. “He had a little color back in his body. I think from that standpoint he’s a probable for tomorrow.”

🎥 Trotz Media Availability 🎥 pic.twitter.com/2Pyicy9mmB

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) October 20, 2021

Keiffer Bellows filled in for Lee on the top line during Tuesday’s win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

The news that Anders Lee would miss the game raised some concerns, which were quickly alleviated after it was revealed to be because of illness. Lee missed most of the 2020-21 season after suffering an ACL injury in March that required surgery and forced him to be sidelined through the rest of the year.

Lee called the time he had to watch from the sidelines hard as the Islanders reached the Stanley Cup Semifinals for the second consecutive year.

"It felt great"

Anders Lee talked about scoring a goal in his first game back with the Islanders since March 11 pic.twitter.com/GeoxaQO3Hb

— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) October 15, 2021

“It was really hard to not be able to be on the ice with your team,” Anders Lee said during training camp. “It’s tough when you’re going through recovery at the same time. But the boys, we all took on that challenge and the way they played on the ice was extremely inspiring to me.”

Lee has returned to the Islanders lineup this season with a lot of jump. He has created chemistry with Kyle Palmieri and quickly found his rhythm with Mathew Barzal.

Lee scored a goal in the Islanders season-opening loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and he has averaged 16:53 of ice time through his first two games of the season.