David Pastrnak publicly praised Joe Sacco for his coaching during a challenging interim period for the Boston Bruins. Sacco stepped in after Jim Montgomery's firing and managed the team through the end of the season, showing resilience in a tough situation. Players like Jeremy Swayman and Pavel Zacha pondered their participation in the upcoming World Championships, and several players are dealing with injuries. Charlie McAvoy looks ahead to next season's leadership summit, aiming to establish a new team culture after losing several leaders. Nikita Zadorov reflected on his penalty issues, indicating improvement as the season progressed.

In the latest updates from the NHL, several teams are dealing with injury concerns as they prepare for upcoming games. The Chicago Blackhawks will have forward Taylor Hall back in the lineup, while Craig Smith is listed as day-to-day due to a back injury.

The Colorado Avalanche welcomed Jonathan Drouin back from an upper-body injury, while the Montreal Canadiens reported that David Savard and Patrik Laine are not traveling with the team due to injuries and illness, respectively.

In Nashville, the Predators are missing Luke Evangelista for four weeks, alongside Jeremy Lauzon and Adam Wilsby, both on the IR. The New York Islanders are hopeful that Semyon Varlamov and Isaiah George will return to practice soon, but Hudson Fasching is sidelined for two weeks. The New York Rangers saw Igor Shesterkin return after an injury absence.

Further updates include Ottawa's Noah Gregor being out with a lower-body injury, Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin missing another game due to an upper-body injury, and San Jose's Fabian Zetterlund as a game-time decision. The Winnipeg Jets anticipate the return of Dylan Samberg and Josh Morrissey for their next matchup.

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech returned to the New York Islanders lineup after extended absences due to injuries, providing a much-needed boost to a team struggling with multiple sidelined players.

Barzal, who missed 21 games, and Pelech, who was out since early November, rejoined the team as they faced the Chicago Blackhawks. The Islanders have also been without goaltender Semyon Varlamov and forward Anthony Duclair, among others, impacting their performance this season.

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech returned to the New York Islanders' lineup after extended absences due to injuries, with Barzal missing 21 games and Pelech recovering from a puck injury. Their return comes amid a challenging injury situation for the Islanders, who also placed goaltender Semyon Varlamov on injured reserve.

Despite injuries to key players like Anthony Duclair and Bo Horvat, the Islanders had found some success, winning three of their last four games. Barzal, in particular, expressed relief at returning to the team and praised the medical staff for their support during his recovery.

Mathew Barzal and Adam Pelech returned to the New York Islanders' lineup after being sidelined by injuries. Barzal missed 21 games due to an upper-body injury, while Pelech was out after taking a puck to the face.

The Islanders have faced numerous injuries, including goaltender Semyon Varlamov being placed on injured reserve. Despite this, Barzal and Pelech's return could significantly boost the team, which had won three of four games prior to facing the Chicago Blackhawks.