Islanders easing Mathew Barzal up to speed with limited time, lowered expectations

The Islanders brought Mathew Barzal back for Saturday’s 6-2 win over the Ducks, but are easing him into action after six or seven months out. Coach Pete DeBoer said Barzal needs time to regain game fitness and timing, so his return is a first step rather than an immediate return to his previous workload.

Barzal played 16 minutes and 21 seconds on the third line and will start on the second power-play unit. He averaged 20:39 of ice time last season. Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Calum Ritchie remain out with lower-body injuries; Ritchie has begun skating alone. Kyle MacLean was placed on non-roster waivers to make room, while defenceman Logan Stanley left the game injured and is due to be evaluated.