Isles Day to Day: Barzal in COVID-19 Protocol

Mathew Barzal is in COVID-19 protocol and will miss Tuesday night's game against the Detroit Red Wings, Head Coach Barry Trotz announced after the team's morning skate.
"He will not play tonight, he's in COVID protocol," Trotz said.
Barzal leads the Islanders with 17 points (5G, 12A) and is currently riding a six-game point streak (1G, 8A). The center has been remarkably durable during his NHL career, only missing one game since the start of the 2017-18 regular season, as the Islanders were resting players ahead of the last year's playoffs.

Trotz said the Islanders will miss Barzal's presence on the power play, but will have to find a way to win without the center.
"Mat's been really good on the power play for us and our power play is getting a little bit of traction and rhythm. We'll miss him there," Trotz said. "In terms of game plan, it doesn't change a whole lot... we're still going to have to play the way we play, just with the guys who are available."
Barzal is the ninth Islander to enter protocol this season after Josh Bailey, Kieffer Bellows, Zdeno Chara, Casey Cizikas, Andy Greene, Ross Johnston, Anders Lee and Adam Pelech.