ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Islanders had Mathew Barzal back for Saturday’s match against the Ducks but operated with caution regarding immediate expectations for him.
“Obviously he’s gotta transition back into full speed,” coach Pete DeBoer said before the 6-2 win . “We’re gonna work him into that, but it’s great that he’s available to play.”
What that means on a practical level is the Islanders will manage Barzal’s ice time closely — including 16:21 on Saturday. He’ll also start on the second power-play unit as opposed to the top group.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau missed a second straight game with a lower-body injury, and Calum Ritchie remains out with a…
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