The New York Islanders have placed Mathew Barzal on injured reserve due to a lower body injury sustained during their recent game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Barzal, who had previously missed 21 days this season with an upper body injury, was injured in the third period after a shot from Darren Raddysh hit his left leg.

This season, Barzal has contributed six goals and 14 assists in 30 games, making his absence significant for the Islanders, who are currently sitting in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, four points behind a wild-card spot.

Mathew Barzal has been placed on injured reserve by the New York Islanders due to a lower body injury sustained during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. This injury comes after Barzal previously missed 21 days earlier this season with an upper body issue. In the third period of the overtime victory against Tampa Bay, he was hurt after taking a shot from Darren Raddysh, which forced him to leave the game in the final minute of regulation. This season, Barzal has contributed six goals and 14 assists over 30 games played.

The Islanders currently find themselves in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, just four points behind a wild-card spot as they navigate the challenges posed by injuries and competition.

Coach Joe Sacco of the Boston Bruins confirmed that defenseman Hampus Lindholm is unlikely to return before the All-Star break, focusing on a cautious approach to his recovery. Meanwhile, Columbus Blue Jackets' Kirill Marchenko suffered a broken jaw after being hit by a puck on the bench. His return date is still to be determined, along with fellow teammates Boone Jenner, Sean Monahan, and Erik Gudbranson, who are all recovering from injuries. Additionally, Jeff Petry from the Detroit Red Wings will be sidelined for six to eight weeks following surgery.

Other notable injury updates include New York Islanders' Mathew Barzal, who is out indefinitely, while Ottawa Senators' Linus Ullmark is nearing a return after a prolonged absence. The Philadelphia Flyers report Rasmus Ristolainen as day-to-day with an upper-body injury, and Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins was seen on the ice before practice but his status remains unchanged. Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed uncertainty regarding Mitch Marner's participation against the Calgary Flames.

Mathew Barzal, forward for the New York Islanders, is sidelined indefinitely due to a lower-body injury sustained during a recent match against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 27-year-old left the game after blocking a shot late in regulation. This season, Barzal has contributed six goals and 14 assists in 30 games, marking his ninth year with the team since being drafted in 2015.

Earlier in this season, he was placed on long-term injured reserve for an upper-body issue. With a career total of 462 points, including 134 goals and 328 assists, Barzal has demonstrated consistent performance since entering the league. Additionally, Scott Mayfield, another key player on the team, is listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury, further impacting the Islanders' lineup.

In an unexpected twist this NHL season, the New York Islanders and Columbus Blue Jackets have emerged as strong contenders for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Islanders are currently riding a six-game winning streak, which has propelled them into fifth place in the Metropolitan Division. This surge has been fueled by exceptional goaltending from Ilya Sorokin, who recently recorded his third shutout of the season against the Philadelphia Flyers. Additionally, Simon Holmstrom's scoring prowess and Kyle Palmieri's return to form on the power play have significantly bolstered the team's offensive capabilities.

Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets, initially viewed as a rebuilding team, hold a Wild Card position, surprising analysts with their high-powered offense. They rank fourth in the league in goals per game, thanks to contributions from both veterans and young talent, including Sean Monahan and Yegor Chinakhov. The coaching of Dean Evason has also seen defensive improvements, allowing the Blue Jackets to capitalize efficiently on their scoring opportunities.

As the March 7 trade deadline approaches, both teams face pivotal decisions. The Islanders may seek to enhance their forward depth, while the Blue Jackets, amidst their unexpected success, might consider adding veteran players to support their playoff ambitions. With multiple teams in close contention, maintaining their current level of play will be crucial for both franchises as they pursue postseason berths.