The NHL announced Saturday afternoon that all New York Islanders games through November 30th will be postponed.
SCHEDULE UPDATE: @NYIslanders games postponed at least through Nov. 30. https://t.co/DQdxsvMCm6 pic.twitter.com/pXs2Vej1Ln
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) November 27, 2021
NHL Postpones New York Islanders Games Due to COVID-19 Outbreak
The decision to postpone these games was made by the league on Saturday, in conjunction with the NHLPA and club medical personnel. The Islanders are currently dealing with an ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, as eight players are now in the league’s COVID protocol.
Following these postponements, the league is currently revising the Isles regular-season schedule. The earliest the team could be back on action is a December 2nd bout against the San Jose Sharks.
The league has made it clear that the team has followed and will continue to follow COVID-19 protocols. Updates will be fluent throughout the week, and it’s unclear more postponements are in the Isles future.
One of the bigger news stories of the week. This is the first time we’ve seen this hard of a crackdown on COVID-19 issues in the league, as the NHL postpones New York Islanders games due to COVID-19.
What’s Next for the Islanders
The Isles have felt the full brunt of COVID-19 this season. Thus, they are currently riding an eight-game losing streak and sit at just 5-10-2 overall. It’s safe to say COVID-19 is the reason for their early-season woes.
No matter what is causing their losing ways, the league isn’t waiting up for them. They are in a very deep hole in a very good division. It will certainly be a tough climb for the Isles, once they are fully healthy.
Nov 16: Bailey
Nov 19: Lee, Johnston
Nov 20: Greene, Pelech
Nov 21: Bellows
Nov 22: Chara
Nov 27: more confirmed COVID positives for #Isles
The NHL’s mishandling of this will be remembered for a long time. No excuses, just shame.
But for now, hoping for health for all.— Chris Botta (@ChrisBottaNHL) November 27, 2021
Forwards Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Kieffer Bellows, and Ross Johnston have all tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, defensemen Adam Pelech, Andy Greene, and Zdeno Chara have also tested positive. It is rumored that Casey Cizikas is the eighth member to test positive.
It’s undeniable that the Isles recent losses are tied to their COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, nearly all of the above-listed players are massive contributors. Just recently, the team was unable to put up any goals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the peak of their COVID-19 outbreak, it is a much-needed break for them.
As stated above, the earliest the team could return to the ice is December 2nd. However, if the outbreak doesn’t slow, there is reasonable doubt around whether they’ll begin to play again within the week. Either way, health is of the most importance. The NHL has struggled all year with maintaining adequately low COVID-19 numbers. This is one of the larger outbreaks, and it shows all of us that COVID-19 can still impact all of our lives and enjoyments in the blink of an eye.
Main Image: Embed from Getty Images
