# Mathew Barzal returns to Islanders practice in encouraging injury sign

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mathew-barzal-returns-to-islanders-practice-in-encouraging-injury-sign/
- Published: 2026-11-04T16:50:43+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T07:13:00+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/04/sports/mathew-barzal-returns-to-islanders-practice-in-encouraging-injury-sign/
- Topics: Entertainment, TV, World

## Key points

- Barzal resumed skating with the Islanders after missing 14 games.
- He remains in a non-contact jersey and has no confirmed return date.
- New York’s power play is operating at 15.9 per cent.

## Summary

Mathew Barzal returned to Islanders practice for the first time this season, an encouraging step after a left knee injury kept him out of training camp and the team’s first 14 games. His return could help an Islanders side that has struggled to score and on the power play, though he is not yet cleared for contact or available to play.

The 29-year-old led New York with 72 points last season, including 19 goals, and has recorded 534 points in 611 career games with the club. The Islanders’ power play ranks 29th in the league at 15.9 per cent, while they average 2.79 goals per game; injured defenceman Ryan Pulock and forward Matias Maccelli also practised in non-contact jerseys.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.