The Islanders still can’t seem to shake COVID-19.
Head coach Barry Trotz and defenseman Ryan Pulock entered the NHL protocol Tuesday morning. Well over half of the roster has tested positive since the start of the season, as have three members of the coaching staff.
The silver lining for the Islanders is that Pulock is still on injured reserve, so his entering the protocol won’t affect their roster for the game Thursday against the Devils. That comes with the caveat that the game still may not be played, due to the Devils’ own COVID-19 issues. The Devils’ game Monday night against the Lightning was postponed following positive tests.
When the Islanders get back on the ice, associate coach Lane Lambert will coach the team, assuming Trotz is still in protocol.
Lambert coached the Islanders in their most recent game, a Jan. 1 win over the Oilers, when Trotz was taking a leave of absence to be with his family following his mother’s death.
Islanders coach Barry Trotz entering the COVID protocols AP“He’s been through a lot lately,” captain Anders Lee said of Trotz. “Wishing him the best the next few days. … We’ll make sure to take care of business while he’s away.”
The Islanders haven’t played since New Year’s Day because a scheduled trip to Seattle and Western Canada was canceled due to attendance restrictions north of the border. Since Dec. 20, they have played two games.
Ryan Pulock Getty Images“Ideally, we need to play,” Trotz said Monday. “We’ve practiced enough. The guys, they’re ready to go. They want to play.”
