Islanders Notebook: Chara & Barzal Back? Why’s the Power Play Clicking & More

The New York Islanders play their second game in as many nights as they face off against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night after a 6-0 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Here’s the latest Islanders Notebook:

Two Likely to Return From Injury

Forward Mathew Barzal and defenseman Zdeno Chara have both missed the last six contests due to injuries sustained in the 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Feb 26.

Both were day-to-day before Zdeno Chara landed on Injured Reserve. However, Chara returned to practice before Barzal as questions loomed on how severe his lower-body injury was.

Mathew Barzal participated in Thursday’s morning skate but did not partake in line rushes or the power play.

The Islanders returned Otto Koivula to Bridgeport (AHL) and activated Chara out of Injured Reserve on Friday afternoon. Trotz had said on Thursday that he wanted to give Chara another day with the back-to-back.

During the media availability before Friday’s contest, Trotz, without directly stating it, was penciling Chara back into the lineup. He also said that Barzal would take warmups, which means he is likely back in the lineup.

“Z probably could have played yesterday, and I just said you know what, you’re coming back from an injury. Instead of putting you in back-to-back, let’s start with one,” Trotz said. “You know, there was even a chance that maybe Matthew could have played yesterday.”

Power Play is Clicking

The New York Islanders have power-play goals in the last three contests, with five goals on 10 opportunities. The Islanders power play is now at 19.6%, and I asked both Anders Lee and Barry Trotz what has changed as of late.

“I think we’re moving the puck well. I think you can see out there that all five guys are involved. Everyone’s getting touches,” Lee said. “I think our entries have been good and solid. Our retrievals off shots and rebounds, and the puck is moving quick.”

“You know we bring it to the net and regroup, and we’re finding success by doing that.”

As for what Barry Trotz sees from his power-play units, he had this to say:

“They’re executing in terms of what’s what’s in front of them,” Trotz said. “They’re retrieving pucks. They’re shooting pucks, and they’re letting the puck do the work, and they’re understanding all the releases.”

“The five guys on the ice are working together, and that’s real key.”

One of the biggest reasons for the success of the Islanders power play, specifically the first unit, has been the play of Noah Dobson. He has assisted on four of their last five power-play goals.

Islanders captain Anders Lee has three of the five power-play goals, with Brock Nelson scoring the other two.

A Year Since the Injury

Exactly one year ago to the day, on Mar 11, 2021, the New York Islanders lost their captain Anders Lee to a torn ACL in a contest against the New Jersey Devils, which put an end to his season.

Although it was a slow start to the season, Anders Lee is red-hot right now, with five goals in his last two games, and is fresh off his first career hat trick.

A Year Since Anders Lee’s Injury, ‘Right Now, I’m Grateful’