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.