Returns for Islanders’ injured trio could come soon in potential big boost

The Islanders’ injured trio of Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock and Matias Maccelli could return during the team’s California trip this week, although coach Pete DeBoer said there was no guarantee. The team brought them on the trip so they could begin reintegrating with the group, making their progress a potential boost as they manage several absences.

Pulock took part in Monday’s skate in a full-contact jersey, while Barzal and Maccelli wore non-contact jerseys. All three were due to test physical contact after the skate; Barzal has not played this season because of inflammation around a left kneecap injury, while Pulock has an upper-body injury and Maccelli a lower-body injury. The Islanders next play on Thursday against the Kings, which falls within Pulock’s initial two-to-four-week recovery estimate and near the end of Maccelli’s.