Islanders next two games postponed amid COVID-19 crisis, NHL announces

NS New York Islanders‘the next two matches will be postponed, NHL announced Saturday, as the team is dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. An eighth Islanders player joined the COVID protocol on Saturday morning, prompting the NHL to make a decision.

New York plays last Friday with Pittsburgh Penguins, a game it lost 1-0 with seven players in COVID protocol.

“The National Hockey League announced today that due to one more New York Islander player participating in the COVID Protocol this morning and up to eight players potentially unable to compete due to the COVID protocol. , as well as the possibility of additional cases due to contagion, team matches will be postponed until at least Tuesday, November 30,” the NHL announced in a statement. declare. “The decision was made by the League in consultation with the medical groups of the NHLPA and the Club.

The NHL said it was “reviewing and revising” New York’s regular-season schedule but did not blame the team for the situation.

“The Islanders Foundation has followed and will continue to follow all recommended guidelines to protect the health and safety of Players, staff, and the general public as set forth by the NHL, the governing bodies, and the public.” local, state and national,” the NHL statement read.

The Islanders are on an eight-game losing streak, having been trailed 32-7 in that span and finally in the Metropolitan Division 5-10-2.

New York started the season with 13 straight games and won 5-6-2, but the team has lost four straight games since its UBS Arena debut on November 20. No Islanders have lost their first four home games. first.

Island resident coach Barry Trotz, who led Nashville Predators in their expansion years, said the challenge his team faced this year was as tough as any he’s faced in decades in the league.

“This is one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the last 20 years,” said Trotz, 59, who heads the organization. Washington Capitals won the Stanley Cup in 2018. “And I started with an open team.”

New York could return as early as the home game on December 2 with San Jose Sharks.