Isles COVID List Resembling a CVS Receipt

Like a CVS receipt, the New York Islanders COVID-19 list continues to grow. The Islanders added four players into COVID-19 protocol ahead of their first practice after the holiday break this past Sunday. Forward Brock Nelson is the latest to head into protocol, the Islanders announced on Tuesday.

#Isles News: Brock Nelson has been placed in COVID-19 protocol.

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) December 28, 2021

For Nelson, the 2021-22 campaign has not been too kind.

After starting the season on the right skate, with nine goals and two assists through the first 15 games, a lower-body injury on Nov. 21 forced Nelson to miss seven contests. Nelson’s injury was rather untimely, given the COVID-19 outbreak ravishing through the locker room before his injury and after.

Nelson has a goal and an assist in the four games since returning. He enters protocol leading the Islanders with 10 goals and second on the team with 13 points.

As of now, the Islanders have six forwards out, with five in protocol. Matt Martin is expected to be activated on Wednesday before the scheduled game against the Detroit Red Wings. There is no information if he will be in the lineup.

Islanders COVID-19 Issues are Back Following Latest Round of Tests

Forward Kyle Palmieri is skating on his own as he rehabs a lower-body injury sustained on Dec. 16 against the Boston Bruins.

Regardless of the absences, the Islanders have games to play and potential points to pick up. Although losing as many guys as they have this season is a sure obstacle, it’s one that every team is dealing with.

“The only thing we can control is our attitude and our work ethic,” Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said. “It’s going to be what it is.”

“Ideally, I’d like every team to have a full complement of players, and we’re playing, and there’s no disruption and all that. But that’s not reality. That’s fantasy hockey right now.”