Mathew Barzal, Matias Maccelli close to return with Islanders set to get important boost

Mathew Barzal and Matias Maccelli took a significant step towards returning to the New York Islanders, taking part in full training for the first time since their injuries. Their progress could give the team a major lift after a difficult spell, though the club has not confirmed when either will be available to play.

Barzal has been recovering from a left-knee flare-up, while Maccelli has been out for three weeks with a lower-body injury. Medical staff were due to assess both players before deciding whether they would travel to California; Ryan Pulock and Calum Ritchie also remain injured. After 15 games, the Islanders have yet to field a full-strength line-up, and Barzal’s return could help address their power-play problems while giving coach Pete DeBoer more choices across the forward lines.