Willis Reed Moment Coming? Islanders Anders Lee Seen Skating after Practice in Tampa

Anders Lee was back out on the ice after the New York Islanders held a well-attended optional practice, but for anyone expecting a Willis Reed-type moment in the playoffs you shouldn’t hold your breath.

Monday was the second time during the postseason that Lee had been seen publically skating since undergoing surgery to repair an ACL injury that he suffered in March. Lee was seen skating in his own end of the ice by Newsday’s Andrew Gross and the New York Post’s Mollie Walker.

Here’s Anders Lee skating alone at #Isles practice pic.twitter.com/bgbBrQAEbn

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) June 14, 2021

Anders Lee skated at TD Garden in Boston ahead of Game 5 last week as well.

While the sight of Lee on the ice is an encouraging sign, it doesn’t mean that he will be able to play any time soon. That’s at least what the Islanders are saying. Lee was ruled out for the remainder of the year after Lee got tangled up with New Jersey’s Pavel Zacha in front of the net and his right leg hit the ice awkwardly as the two fell.

Barry Trotz and Lou Lamoriello have repeatedly said that despite Lee’s presence on the ice he would not be available during the Islanders playoff run.

New York currently leads the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0 in their best-of-seven series in the Stanley Cup Semifinals.